Blue Skies

      "I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." ~Psalm 121:1-2

                                                               
     I drove down the two lane, lonely road this morning. My mood matched the sky above...cloudy and gray. My heart was heavy from the recent conversations with friends who are in a difficult season right now. The precious faces of the ones I love and had been praying for were filling my thoughts and blurring my mind with sorrow. Several times this week,  my gracious God had brought Psalm 121:1-2 to my attention. Perhaps it was with that in mind that I instinctively looked up at the sky. It was in that moment that God painted a beautiful picture for me. The clouds parted and in a moment, a small patch of blue sky appeared amongst the gray. I felt His Spirit whisper, "I am your blue sky." My heart melted and I smiled saying back to Him, "Yes, God, You ARE my blue sky!" At that moment, my ipod began to play over the radio, Tenth Avenue North's song, "Strong Enough to Save". I heard the words clearly as I watched the clouds part..."And he'll break open the skies to save those who cry out His Name. The One the wind and the waves obey, He's strong enough to save you..." 

     I knew that it was a sweet reminder to me that no matter how thick the dark clouds might be at times, there is a "blue sky" right behind that cloud cover, waiting to appear at just the right moment. 

    I traveled on to my destination. Once again, He reminded me of His goodness as I met with a dear friend for lunch. You know, the kind that you don't even have to speak and they know...they just know. Even so, I spoke to her of the heavy burden I felt. She listened compassionately, never once judging, and then she offered up this encouragement. It was a familiar verse, but given at just the right moment and from a relationship of love, it was like a life preserver being thrown out to me in rough water. How grateful I am for her friendship and the way God has knit us together in Him! She reminded me of Matthew 11:28-30 when she spoke of how His burden was light.

    "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

    Let Him help you...turn your eyes and heart toward Him. Lay your burdens down.  After all, what seems heavy to us, is light to the Maker of heaven and earth! 
    Perhaps your heart is troubled for someone you love, who is going through a difficult time right now. Maybe it is you that feels like the clouds will never lift. Whatever you may be walking through, let His sweet reminder today be for us all...He is our blue sky behind all those clouds...He is still there, even if you're having trouble finding Him. He has never left you.  Look up and trust that  He is going to shine forth His radiance on you at just the right moment! 
            Shout to the heavens, "YOU ARE MY BLUE SKY!"