At our weekly Bible study, we were sharing thoughts about how the Beauty of Creation fills our hearts with consolation. One of the ladies commented about a friend who had a great view of the outdoors from his house, and often took photos of the sunset and then sent them to others, with a note of gratitude for this gift from God.
One of the fellows made a joke about cloudy skies, how they obstructed that lovely sunset. This was countered with the claim that often the clouds actually enhanced the beauty of the sunset. Her comment, “without clouds it’s the sun going down, and that’s it, but with the clouds the sunset lasts longer and is even more beautiful.”
We had also been speaking of the faith of those who experience many and grave trials, yet stand firm in their faith; perhaps stronger than if there had been no trials. All of this seemed to lead naturally to the reality that for our faith to grow strong, we need these trials and challenges. How we respond hinges on many variables, leading to the importance of developing an attitude of praise and thanksgiving before the hard times come.
The book PRISON TO PRAISE by Merlin Carothers was shared with me almost 30 years ago, and has helped me immeasurably in adopting this attitude of praise! I practice it in the small and simple difficulties of daily living, and now when bigger challenges arise, my response of praise rather than complaint comes more quickly. The Christian classics repeat in so many ways that to really trust God means to thank Him for each and every trial, as well as for the obvious pleasant blessings He brings us each day. If we really believe that “all things work for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28), then to praise and thank Him in all circumstances is the appropriate and sole response we are to give.
Sometimes when surprised by a trial, I forget! That’s when I need friends who also want to live praising God, and who will remind me of this Truth, and set me back on the right path. I’ve come to appreciate the cloudy sunset even more as I experience that it is indeed evermore beautiful, and that it lasts longer!
Lord God, thank You for sunsets, thank You for clouds, thank You for teaching me how to live a joy-filled life praising and thanking You in all circumstances! Thank You for companions on the journey to remind me and lift me up when I forget! May I live a life of praise, trusting in the Good God in every kind of weather…
Spiritual Sun Pennies 