Two Clouds Gathering

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Psalm 19:1 NIV

Two Clouds Gathering, 2020

Oil paint 14” x 11”

How about a break from the stress of the day to enjoy a little could gazing? I’ve spent the past week knee-deep in a very detailed ink drawing (coming soon) and I for one could use a little breather. This piece, entitled Two Clouds Gathering, is a painting that I created this past spring. Like last week’s drawing, I found the inspiration for this piece on a trail hike. It was a beautiful blue sky day (all be it a cold one) and my eyes, as well as my camera, were pointed to the sky.

The way that these two particular clouds were mingling gave me the distinct impression that they were in fact “gathering.” As I brushed and blended their forms together I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV). My mind couldn’t help but wonder, why were these two clouds drawn together? Could it be that they were coming together to worship? 

This might sound strange but there are actually lots of examples in scripture of inanimate objects (trees, mountains, seas, fields) worshiping God. Take Psalm 96 for instance, “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” (Psalm 96:11-12 NIV). Or Isaiah 55, “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12 NIV). The book of Revelation even describes animals (specifically ALL the animals) praising God, “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13 ESV).

Admittedly, this idea is a little “out there” even for my artistic brain. It did however prompt me to consider another one that was more tangible - my own fellowship and friendships. Have I given up on gathering? The Bible specifically calls out our need for fellowship and the importance of supporting one another. People need other people. Paul gives us explicit instructions on this very topic in the book of Hebrews, 

let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV).

This comment was initially intended for the early Church but I think it is highly applicable right now. We need to stay connected so that we can share God’s love with one another; for our own mental health as well as the glory of God. So I say this to you and to myself: let us not give up on meeting together. Let us not give up on encouraging one another. You my friend are a blessing, share it! If even the clouds gather together to praise God’s goodness then so should we! And if you aren’t ready or able to gather in-person then pick up the phone (I’m pretty sure Paul would have killed to have a telephone). Bless a friend with the sound of your voice today. They miss you, I promise. Don’t let the Enemy tell you any different. He (the Enemy) would try to convince us that our words of love and encouragement are unwelcome or unwanted by our friends. Your love and support are always a good thing. 

Need a little mood music? The song So Will I is the perfect soundtrack for this piece.