Coverings

A few days back Royce and I were having one of those lazy days just driving casually along, not talking much. Actually, I was driving, which makes this revelation a tad more interesting, since for a few moments I was completely caught up in God's presence. I could hear Royce telling me something in the background but he sounded a little like Charlie Brown's teacher -- you know, blah, blah, blah....nothing personal about his talking, I had just left the car for a few minutes.

The sky was blue, blue with large fluffy white clouds scattered around. Off to one side were white swirls of clouds that looked like brush strokes on an artist's pallet. Gradually, I realized we were under a huge tent; one with a stunningly blue top and sides with wisps of white flurries and billowing cotton balls. The sides came down to the ground, forming not only a canopy but a bubble completely encapsulating us in a protective covering. All around me, people were going about their business; driving, talking, walking, shopping. Trees were growing in the atmosphere provided by this amazing covering; flowers bloomed along the side of the road and birds flitted here and there overheard, obviously enjoying the sunlight and shadows alike.

The thought crossed my mind that God could have left out the sky when He created earth. We could be constantly looking up at a huge black hole that goes on forever with only other planets far away here and there. We could be constantly worrying about drifting out into outer space and getting lost in that blackness or drawn up to one of the stars or planets far, far away. But, no, in His graciousness and love, the Lord made a beautiful sky to cover His creation and because of that we feel settled, covered and loved under this amazing piece of God's handiwork.

My friend, Cynthia and I share a love of the sky and it's beauty but up until now, I only saw the beauty. Who hasn't felt comforted by the blue sky and beautiful sun shining down on us? Even a cloudy rainy day can bring comfort and a sense of closeness. And who hasn't peered into the clouds to find animals, faces, even angels looking back at us?

And so, in those few moments I was caught up with the Lord, I thanked Him over and over for this beautiful canopy that covers us every day. To me its a reminder of His presence that covers us, protects us, and goes with us wherever we travel. Nothing is out of His control and all things are working together for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Today we rest under the canopy of the sky as well as the canopy of His presence and feast on the love He is constantly giving. Because He loves, He gives .... everything we need to succeed in this world that he created just for us.

And we rest in His promises over our families and over us, even when pain and darkness comes to our lives, even when threatening storms cloud the horizon, even then, still we rest in His promises.  Just like the sky that will remain until He speaks otherwise, His love and care over us will remain until the end of time.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11