3/8/09

Grey skies to blue

This HDR photo is interesting, not only because of its quality, but also because the way in which it was manipulated. Maybe its just me, but does the sky look just a tad too grey? Which reminds me of a great sermon I heard at the Piscataway church of Christ about a decade ago. Gary Eubanks was refuting the concept of viewing everything on the "Sunny Side of Life". This made a lot of sense to me then and now even more so. Everything is not always positive, sometimes you have to have a lot of rainy days to appreciate the sunshine. Consider the problems Job had and the ultimate realization he arrived at:

Job 42:1 Then Job answered Yahweh,
Job 42:2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.
Job 42:3 You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn't know.
Job 42:4 You said, 'Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.'
Job 42:5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.
Job 42:6 Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:7 It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.
World English Bible
Job went through a lot of physical discomfort and emotional stress; more than I would ever be able to withstand! His life was in ruin and his wife and "friends" turned against him. He questioned everything, including God. But God's questions made him think and all the problems he had led to a greater understanding of the Almighty. He went through hard times and ultimately grew closed to God as a result. God turned his grey skies to blue ones and restored those things taken away and then some. Times are tough right now, but think; people actually did live through the great depression and those people had a dramatic effect upon this country. Our grey skies can change if we have the proper attitude and that begins with making sure our relationship with the God of Heaven is as it should be! So, bring on the grey skies, just help me to see God between the clouds.