Jon led us in Third Space a few weeks ago on the theme of clouds. He had been inspired after coming across a plaque for Luke Howard the namer and classifier of clouds. Intrigued he investigated further…

  Luke Howard named clouds in 1803.

We spent some time lying on our backs looking at clouds, praying, meditating and being still. It was a beautiful morning with blue skies and, yes, clouds to ponder. Such a peaceful experience.

Jon had talked about the tremendous energy and power that clouds contain and yet they looked so fluffy, gentle and harmless. It made me think about the gentleness but powerfulness of God.

What we did that morning has remained with me and I find myself lifting my eyes to the skies and looking at the different kinds of clouds and reflecting on the presence of God with us.

Exodus 13:21 – 22

“God went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a pillar of fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left the people.”

God is present right here, right now.

God leads us on our journey.

Exodus 14:19

The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the pillar of cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. The cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. The cloud enshrouded one camp in darkness and flooded the other with light.”

God has got our back.

God shields us from that which we fear.

 Clouds are everywhere even in St Pancras Station, London. So when you see clouds be assured of the presence of God.

“I will not forget you. I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”

Isaiah 44:22