God’s gift . . .

God’s Paintbrush on the Clouds  

Not all clouds in the sky come to bring darkness,
some come to make your sunset more beautiful.
(Nitin Namdeo) 

Most people love sunny days, and many are disappointed with cloudy days . . . In fact, we tend to rate the beauty of any given day as to how much of the sun and sky we are able to see, along with what the overall weather is like . . . But think about this . . . 

Without the clouds, there would be no lavish sunsets, no rain,
no [color-filled] light, and no beautiful, picturesque landscapes.
(Rev. Billy Graham) 

Have you ever been amazed, in awe, or even confused by the shapes, colors, or the huge variety of clouds in the sky? . . . Moisture is always present in the air in the form of water vapor . . . when it compresses into liquid droplets or solid ice particles, these particles collect and scatter light, making them visible as clouds . . . Air temperature, density and movement determine the shape of a cloud . . . temperature and density give clouds their distinct shapes and create crisp edges—air movement pulls clouds into different formations . . . all of this is determined by the way that God created them to be—back to awe and wonder at the Creator’s handiwork! 

Don’t forget, beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies.
(Paulo Coelho) 

In Scripture, clouds suggest things beyond our control and knowledge  . . . Clouds are part of the natural wonders that God creates, and they follow His will . . . Clouds are often symbols, allegories, or comparisons pointing towards signs and events to come, which illustrates God’s involvement in time . . .  and they represent thresholds, the area between heaven and earth, reminding us that our full grasp of the universe is limited, no matter how many scientific advances there are.  

This imagery of clouds in Scripture, displays the ever presence of God in time and space . . . encouraging each of us to focus on the clouds in a way that reminds and leads us to think of the glory and presence of God . . . So, the next time you’re tempted to complain about a cloudy day, maybe pause and instead consider that the Lord is using clouds to remind us of His promise of the forthcoming return of Jesus. 

INSIGHT . . .

Many old hymns, approaches to life, and a lot of attitudes connect clouds to storms, darkness, and negativity . . . but they are a part of creation and that is not negative—God’s creation is hope-filled, salvation-offered, eternally promised  . . . You and I need to move away from looking down on clouds and instead see where they indicate God’s presence in our lives and in the lives of others.  

Billy Graham wrote, “The Bible has a great deal to say about clouds, for they sometimes symbolize the spiritual forces that obscure the face of God. The Bible also indicates that clouds are given to us for a purpose, that there is glory in the clouds, and that every cloud has a silver lining. It is written in Exodus 16:10, “They looked … and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.” 

In the Bible, clouds are always connected with God . . . There are over 150 references to clouds in Scripture, all expressing different facets of God’s engagement in creation for the salvation of all of us.  

In both the Old and New Testaments, clouds indicate God’s presence as well as His guidance . . . They were the means of hearing God’s voice and seeing His glory . . . they still are, if we pay attention. 

In the flood narrative in Genesis 9:14-15, God places a rainbow in the clouds . . . this rainbow is to be a reminder of God’s covenant with his people . . . Whenever they see the rainbow in the clouds, they’re to remember how God saved them and of His promise to be with them forever.  

To the children of Israel, God was present in “a pillar of cloud (Ex. 13:21) . . . the visible symbol of God’s presence and protection, shielding the Israelites from the heat of the sun and keeping them hidden from their enemies . . . It also taught them to trust God, as He led them to safety on a path they did not know. 

Then in Matthew, there is the prediction of the glorious, visible return of Jesus appearing in the clouds with power and glory . . . a moment of overwhelming clarity to come for both believers and unbelievers . . .  

“They will see the Son of Man coming;
they will see Him powerful and glorious, 
riding on chariots of clouds in the sky.”
Matthew 24:30b 

As I focus on the clouds in the sky each day, the lyrics from the popular worship song “Days of Elijah," come to mind . . . (I’ll admit that my spirituality and praise are often accentuated in scripture-filled music and songs—this is one of them). 

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun, at the trumpet call
Lift your voice, it’s the year of Jubilee
And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes 

These words are exciting, signifying the triumphant second coming of Christ . . . they are a message of hope and promise, blending Old Testament prophecy with New Testament imagery of judgment and salvation . . . they proclaim a time of spiritual restoration and God's kingdom coming to earth . . . "Riding on the clouds," "trumpet call," and "Zion's hill" all point to Christ's glorious return, and the "Year of Jubilee" symbolizes freedom and restoration, announcing God's ultimate victory and presence over all the heavens and earth.

INVITATION—TO TALK WITH GOD . . . 

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Psalm 19:1 

We need to spend more time looking up at God’s offerings,
and less time looking down in the shadows.
(Debbie Parcel) 

We live in Texas now, and once you get outside of the big cities, the truly “big skies” give constant opportunities to see the variety and intricacies  of clouds . . . So many colors, shapes, levels  . . .  God’s paintbrush at work and His faithfulness in creation on full display. 

“For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”
Psalm 108:3-4 

When I slow down enough to enjoy creation, like the constantly changing clouds, I find myself wanting to talk to my Lord . . .
to ask Him questions, about His plans for my life, and what comes next. 

What part of God’s handiwork opens the windows of your heart and soul, encourages you to talk and walk with the Lord?   

What gives you pause, helps you slow down enough to spend time in prayer, and take time to listen to God’s answers? 

Take advantage of that pause and pray . . . ask God the questions deep in your heart . . . He’s always listening. 

I challenge you to intentionally “look upward” more often . . . especially when you are overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed, or just tired . . . and then . . . pray, and walk and talk with God . . . ask Him to help you relax, find calm, and allow peace into your soul
. . . so that you can find joy in anticipating Christ’s return one day.

ILLUMINATION . . .

Look closely . . . what do you see in this cloud formation? . . . Remember laying on your back in the grass and looking up at the sky trying to see shapes in the clouds? . . . it was a time to slow down, rest, and use your imagination . . . focus and create a picture . . . see God’s paintbrush at work. 

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day,
listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky,
is by no means a waste of time.
(John Lubbock) 

We know that clouds are just dust particles and water vapor, but there is whimsy and joy in taking the time to create something out of what we see  . . . taking the time to daydream, hope, let your imagination fly . . . it’s healthy for your heart and soul. 

“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:11 

Take a sabbath break . . . and break from your busy-ness, work, and rushing to “do things” . . . you can spend time with God anywhere—even staring at the clouds and the skies—say a quick prayer any time  . . . I encourage you to make time for God, no matter what your schedule looks like.  

INSPIRATION—PRAYING THROUGH MUSIC . . . 

Words make you think a thought.
Music makes you feel a feeling.
(Yip Harburg) 

I encourage you to take time to listen to any or all the songs below . . . there is no right or wrong style of music—it is what speaks to you . . . listen to the melody and the lyrics and feel the response of your heart to what God wants you to hear . . . and I do understand that music doesn’t speak to everyone . . . and that is okay too. 

♪♬♪ Current . . .  Days of Elijah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca9LnzJnpjQ&list=RDca9LnzJnpjQ&start_radio=1

♪♬♪ Traditional . . . It Is Well with My Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYrL9ea1XUg&list=RDZYrL9ea1XUg&start_radio=1 

INTO EACH DAY AHEAD . . .  

Clouds are fluid and ever-changing . . . they shift, move, and swirl,  just like our circumstances, thoughts, and spiritual paths . . . and they are created by God just like we are. 

There’s a phrase—"The cloud is moving”—sometimes used when a person senses God changing their direction in life or ministry
. . . Is God moving things around in your life right now? . . . Is He showing you a new direction in your life or ministry? . . .
Is your “cloud moving” now? . . . Remember to look upward at the presence of God, talk with Him daily, and be open to what
He is doing in your life. 

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
James 4:8 

Prayer is an essential facet of our relationship with God . . . through prayer, we are provided the privilege of direct communication with Him . . . This is a precious gift—remember to take advantage of it  . . . God delights in our prayers, and He wants to hear from each one of us. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting each of us to draw near to you.
Help us put you first in our relationship with you and to make time to seek your presence.
Fill each of us with your strength, peace, and renewed hope.
Draw near to us, Lord, and guide us in all that we do. —Amen.

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Prayer Paths (written by Dr. Debbie Parcel)
is a weekly email letter designed to “fuel”
your active prayer life, help you stay engaged in
focused prayer, and encourage a
growing relationship with our Triune God. 

To receive Prayer Paths by email each week—send a request,
with your name and email,
to BarnabasRoad2025@gmail.com 

(Prayer Paths is offered through Barnabas Road Ministries)