August 13

Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. — Ps 97:2 BSB

The presence of clouds in your sky and trials in your path is evidence that you are following God’s guidance and walking in His presence. Just as the disciples had to enter the cloud to witness the transfiguration, we too must sometimes enter the cloud to see God’s glory. That same cloud later became the chariot that carried our ascending Lord, and it will return when He comes in glory.

Clouds often surround His throne, but mercy and truth are always at the heart of His presence. One of the most gracious uses of the cloud was to shelter the Israelites from the scorching sun. Like a great canopy, the pillar of cloud shaded them from the burning heat of the desert.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit comes between us and the fiery trials of sorrow and temptation, offering us His protection.