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 see that one 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.”
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.
But what did the Psalmist mean when he wrote those words? He is reminding us that God exposes and expresses Himself on His terms. Our God is a Holy God - and He, in love and compassion, made Himself available 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. And 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.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your Son our Savior - and for becoming available to us through His life and death. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture for Today: Psalm 97:2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
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