When circumstances seem ‘cloudy’, how do we respond? Because you can be certain that those days will come.

You and I may not see the sun, but we know that it’s just right behind those dark, nimbus formations.

Paul told the church in Philippi to rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5)

The main reason why we can rejoice? Because the Lord is near.

Because I know He is near, there’s the quiet assurance that I am never forsaken and never abandoned. David says that because the Lord is at my right hand, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

This reminds me of a story I read that clearly illustrates the quiet confidence we have because He is near.

Buzzing through the rail tracks, a speeding train slices through the fog in the middle of the night. All the passengers were tensed as the fog becomes thicker and the train continue to whizz through the perilous mountain side.

As the passengers saw through the cabin’s window that the fog created zero visibility, all they can sense was the chugging of the engine and the sound of train whistle “signalling- “Train coming through!”  With fear and doubt in their hearts and faces everyone slowly retreated to the back-most cabin.

But there was a seven year old girl in ponytails still glued to her seat and playing with her doll. She was not troubled at all of the danger around her.  One of the passengers suggested, “Hey little girl, it is better to seat at the back of the train if in case we plow to a huge snow mass and be derailed or in case an avalanche happens. It’s dangerous there at the front near the engineer’s room.”

Without batting her eyelashes she quipped, “Don’t be silly! My dad is the engineer”  With a peaceful disposition and a steadfast mind she continued playing with her doll.

Obviously, she has full trust on her father and knows that he will keep her safe and protected despite the thick fog of uncertainty.