In the Clouds
We should not worry about the clouds, but rather see them as a sign of impending blessings and benefits.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding hope and blessings in the midst of life's trials and challenges, using the analogy of clouds bringing rain to illustrate how our troubles can lead to blessings and grace. He encourages believers not to fear the dark clouds in their lives, as they are often the vehicles through which God's mercy and love are poured out. Just as rain nourishes the earth and brings forth new life, our difficulties can ultimately lead to growth and joy. Despite the darkness of our circumstances, God's presence is near, and His love and grace shine through even in the midst of our struggles.
Text
"If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth" (Eccles. 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 be out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they will yield plentiful showers.
How can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but 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.--C H. Spurgeon
"What seems so dark to thy dim sight
May be a shadow, seen aright
Making some brightness doubly bright.
"The flash that struck thy tree--no more
To shelter thee--lets heaven's blue floor
Shine where it never shone before.
"The cry wrung from thy spirit's pain
May echo on some far-off plain,
And guide a wanderer home again."
"The blue of heaven is larger than the clouds."
Sermon Outline
- The Clouds are Filled with Rain
- Our Troubles Bring Blessings
- Let Us Not Worry About the Clouds
- Sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers
- Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice
Key Quotes
“The blue of heaven is larger than the clouds.” — Charles E. Cowman
“O Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet!” — Charles E. Cowman
“Love beholds Thee, and is glad.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We should trust that our troubles will bring us blessings and benefits.
- We should not worry about the clouds, but rather see them as a sign of God's love and mercy.
- Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice.