APRIL 20: “WHEN THE CLOUDS GET DARK (II)”

Another widow the world dealt a terrible blow and for whom the clouds got dark was recorded in the city of Nain. Her husband dead; her consolation, her son was also dead, on the way to be buried. Her tears like that of other mourners flowed un-controllably until the Lord’s fortuitous appearance with His word, “Do not weep”.

There are other convictions we need to note apart from yesterday’s devotion. First, Jesus’ attributes show that He is, like George Smalridge noted in his book, “essentially and immutably good”. In other words, whilst we trust in His power; His goodness, kindness and merciful nature dispose Him to help us. He knows how the anguish of soul causes weeping (John 11:33-35; Heb. 4:15). His goodness is not temporary but continual; not to a few, but to all (Ps. 52:1(b); 84:11; 86:5). Secondly, the time of dark clouds, is God’s method of revealing Himself and His powers, so we can trust Him more. Consider Paul and Silas in the dungeon (Acts 16:24); Jacob’s revelation of ascending and descending angels while fleeing from home; the three Hebrew boys, seeing the pre-incarnate Christ in that hot but cool furnace; Apostle John’s revelation while banished to the Island of Patmos.

Dear believer; we, like David should be able to say in Ps. 42:5 &11 during our cloudy moments that “why are you cast down, O my soul…. Hope in God…for help…”

PRAYER: Dear Lord, when dark palls of cloud attend my soul; may I receive grace to sing and say; “It is well with my soul”, Amen.