Little Johnny clutched his blanket tightly and pulled it up under his chin. His Dad was reading a bedtime story about God, Noah, and the flood. When he finished, his Dad asked what he liked best about the story.
“Nothing! I’m afraid God will flood our house, and all my toys will be gone!” he replied.
Many people only see that side of God. Whenever there is a disaster or a tragedy, they point a finger and say, “What kind of a god would do that? See, that’s why I can’t believe in him. I can’t trust him. He’s cruel and inhumane, uncaring and unconcerned.”
Psalm 97 seems to add to the confusion. It begins with a statement about the Lord reigning and that we ought to be glad and rejoice. Then the Psalmist writes, “Clouds and thick darkness surround Him, righteousness and justice are the foundations of His throne.” If that is the only picture of God that people have, no wonder they are frightened. Most people would be. Surely, that view of God is distasteful and disgusting.
But what did the Psalmist mean when he wrote those words? He is reminding us that God exposes and expresses Himself on His terms and in His time and where He chooses. Our God is a Holy God - and He, in love and compassion, made Himself available ultimately and completely through His Son. When we read that He is surrounded by “clouds and darkness,” it does not mean that He is hiding from us and is unapproachable. Not at all. Only that we come to Him on His terms. What are His terms?
Jesus defined them: “No one comes to the Father except through Me!” When we accept Christ as our Savior, He enters our life and nothing can separate us from Him, and we can know Him as He is: a God who cares, who is close, and who saves!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your Son our Savior. We cannot understand all Your ways. Give us a faith to trust as well as to believe and accept Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Scripture For Today: Clouds and thick darkness surround Him, righteousness and justice are the foundations of His throne. Psalm 97:2
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