Cloud Watcher

I love Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a favorite place from which to photograph a sunrise. It takes clouds to generally make or break a spectacular photograph. On this day it wasn't so much the sun but the clouds that stole my attention.

I am grateful for clouds. They are God's instrument for delivering much needed rain to sustain plant and animal life. The Psalmist wrote:

He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. (Psalm 147:8)

It's Father God who provides for us... not Mother Nature. The clouds are a reminder of His love and provision, but they also are a reminder of His judgment.

He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:7)

Now, I am certainly not suggesting that every tornado and hurricane is a sign of judgement on the earth, but because of our continued disobedience to Him it would not surprise me if He wasn't trying to get our attention.

Clouds are also a reminder to us that Jesus is coming again... not as a suffering Savior but as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will appear in the clouds and every person on earth will know of His arrival.

[Jesus said,] “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. (Mark 13:26)

Yes, I am a cloud watcher. They remind me to be thankful for His loving provision, be repentant of my wrongdoings, and to live as if Jesus was returning today.