Airplanes will always amaze me. I think it was last year at this time that I was flying to Nashville and it hit me that I was in this amazing transport vehicle that could fly in the air and take me from Portland to Nashville super quickly. I cried, because it was just SO AMAZING.
Last week I flew to San Francisco (okay TECHNICALLY Oakland) and I was feeling a LOT of feels.. the last time I went to the airport was with.. and the last airplane I was on was with.. and the time before that when I left Portland was the day I called.. AND it was kind of grey in the sky.. and I was kind of exhausted.. ugh. It was a lot.
We took off, and I sat there crying out the window. Like a grown up, because that’s how I roll.
and suddenly I realized… we are going through the clouds.
Like… we are flying UP… UP.. UP…. and the clouds can only last for so long.
and in those few minutes I started feeling excited because I knew what was coming. and sure enough..
We made it out of the clouds. They were below us. and we were in the sun. It was a beautiful day above the clouds. So clear, in fact, that if you look closely.. you can see Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens.
I started thinking about the clouds in my life, the things that make everything overcast and grey.  Fears, insecurities, shame from the past.. but then I started thinking about how the clouds don’t actually affect the brightness of the Sun. The Sun doesn’t dim itself because of clouds and “then the cloud of doubt may hide the light of day,” but it just hides the light. It doesn’t diminish or wipe out the light. The clouds are temporary, the Son is eternal. Changed the vowes to make it truth. The Son is eternal light. Eternal, even in the face of our temporary clouds.
and you know what? From way up high, clouds don’t seem like such a big deal. You can see the breaks in the shadows and the limits of their reach.  They’re not so doom and gloom from the other side.
To get to the other side of the clouds we have to get our feet off the ground.
Through hope.
Hoping in God.
I once heard someone say that hope is your spirit’s sigh at the end of the night that says “it’s all true,” about God’s promises.
Isaiah 40:31 says that hope is how we soar on wings like eagles.
Hope, not like “I hope this will happen,” but hope like “God’s promises are sure.”
Promises like the one I read while on the plane:
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
Rest in that. Place the certainty of your spirit in those words – God is with you. He won’t leave you. His perfect love for you casts out all of your fear.
Hope in God’s promises and then start the ascension up up up over the clouds.
So much love for this post! I’ve been trying to come up with a better comment for like five minutes but can’t think of what to say other than how perfect this was to read.
carly!!!
hahaha forgiven. you’re not a “cool post!” and run kind of girl so your comment is sufficient. thanks just for taking the time to comment <3
I love the way that pictures and events connect you to the Lord. I’ve often wished my relationship with God was like this but then I remember that my relationship, though different, is just as good. I’m too analytical for this and that’s ok. <3 I loved reading this post!!
it’s definitely always been the way i’ve grown to understand and hear the Lord – through moments, pictures, songs… and sometimes i have to FORCE myself to make sure the stuff i’ve experienced is rooted in Scripture or else it’s just fluff, and i’m not down with that. i appreciate you and your analytical faith. it’s challenging and real and firmly grounded, and that is just as important. i love you <3
Isn’t it wonderful when God so clearly gives us those visual illustrations? I remember taking off in a rain storm that had been going on for DAYS and as we lifted up above the clouds – there was the sun! I took a pic to post on fb so all my friends back home could take heart, “The sun is still here, guys!” And so He is. Thanks for sharing, I’m your neighbor on Rich Faith Rising!
hi ruthie!
ABSOLUTELY!
i’m glad you were able to completely relate to this.. that glorious moment when you break through the clouds and THERE IS THE SUN, STILL SHINING! ahhh. so much to look forward to and hope for. <3 thanks for stopping by!
Hi Stephanie, I love that I’m right after you on Testimony Tuesday because I had the chance to read your beautiful blog and writing, and to get to know a piece of your, your bright faith! I love this.. I once heard someone say that hope is your spirit’s sigh at the end of the night that says “it’s all true,†about God’s promises. I so much enjoyed your encouraging blog. I wrote last week about finding light in the darkness. It’s a theme we all need to hear over and over. The promises. Thank you for reminding me again (the blog was about finding hope in the darkness) http://www.holyvacationqueen.com/how-to-hope-when-we-face-dark-times/
I hope to visit you again!
hi kathy! thank you SO MUCH for stopping by, and for sharing that post with me. <3 hope you are doing well!
I loved this post! You painted a beautiful picture of how God has always got our back and won’t leave us or forsake. I especially liked the verse you quoted in Dueteromny. It was a verse I needed to hear. Thanks for sharing.
tess! thanks for taking the time to comment…. i’m so glad this got to you at the right time! have a great day <3
that is my SONG! I got that cd from my sister at the end of my summer and I’d put on that song as I got off the train every morning to go to my new teaching job. And like the verse from Deuteronomy you mentioned, the song reminded to press in to him. Just to be with you agaaaain, let us staaaart…
IT WOULD BE YOUR SONG BECAUSE WE ARE BASICALLY LONG LOST BEST FRIENDS.
…THE ASCEEEEENSSSIOOOOON!!!!
PREACH. Although right now I’m a slacking friend who STILL hasn’t looked up Alan stone (but I will!)
You are so right, Stephanie, the clouds don’t seem like such a big deal when you are above them. Good to remember to always try to look above the clouds!! Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
thank you so much, holly! <3 sometimes it's SO HARD to remember there's something on the other side of the clouds.