Rain Without Clouds? Never!
God's troubles bring blessings and benefits, and we should not worry about the clouds but sing because of the blessings that follow.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that while dark clouds may obscure the sun, they are essential for bringing forth rain, which symbolizes blessings that follow our troubles. He reassures us that our hardships are not without purpose, as they often lead to spiritual growth and grace. Spurgeon encourages believers to view their struggles as opportunities for God's mercy and love to manifest, reminding us that even in dark times, God is near and working for our good. He concludes with a call to rejoice in the blessings that will come after the storms, as they are part of God's divine plan.
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If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth. (Ecclesiastes 11:3)
Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky? True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; He will shine out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they are to yield plentiful showers. How can we have rain without clouds?
Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the black chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be the gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but He will not drown us with wrath; nay, He will refresh us with mercy. Our Lord's love letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.
O Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet! How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day! Love beholds Thee and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side.
Sermon Outline
- God's Troubles Bring Blessings
- God's Love Letters Come in Black-Edged Envelopes
- God's Rod Blossoms with Sweet Flowers and Nourishing Fruits
- His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits
- Let us not worry about the clouds but sing
Key Quotes
“Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Let us not worry about the clouds but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should not worry about the clouds but trust that God's troubles will bring blessings.
- God's love letters often come to us in difficult times, but are filled with benefits and blessings.
- We can find joy and sing even in the midst of darkness because of the blessings that follow.