Years ago, when my husband was in the active-duty military, we lived in southern California. One of the benefits of living in the area was the pleasantly predictable weather. Sunshine and balmy breezes greeted us daily.

When clouds interrupted the sun’s greeting, I watched as tree branches bowed down to bossy winds and beating rain. As stormy weather replaced sunny days, I scrambled to make the adjustment.

Sometimes life feels like my southern California experience. When days pleasantly unfold, it’s easy to reflect on God’s goodness and embrace my routine. But if there’s a sudden shift toward the unwanted, I miss those blue skies. If you miss what made your expectations a delight, you know what I mean.

However, when life is far from predictable, it makes room for divine discoveries.

Not knowing what comes next, positions us to know more about God. This principle shines brightly in the events of Holy Week. The crowd shouted “Hosanna” as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

I imagine the weather was on its best behavior. As the crowd waved palm branches, their worship gave a warm reception to the King of Kings. (Matthew 21:1-11)

And yet, what a difference a day makes or in this case a week.

“By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle” (Luke 23:45 NLT).

As Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, the sun refused to shine. Surely, during the darkest times in our lives God is still at work.

He is doing a wonder. Even in the depth of our grief or longings, something deeper can settle in us. We can hold onto hope and know the sun will shine again. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, the tearing of the temple’s curtain wasn’t a coincidental rip in the decor. It was a clear sign. The veil was no longer needed.

Through faith in Christ, we can approach God freely — in our repentance, our praise or our pain. We can see Him in ways we’d never know, if there was nothing but blue skies. Seeing God as Healer, Deliverer, Comforter or Provider is an invitation issued by “cloudy days.” Our growth is often the result as we rely on Him through life’s storms.

“Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds” (Psalm 36:5 NLT).

God is always moving beyond our circumstances. But He also wants to move within our hearts.

As Resurrection Sunday approaches, we have the benefit of hindsight. For the three days after Christ’s death, His followers panicked and grieved over what happened. They grappled with trying to understand what He promised and what they saw. Then they heard the best news ever. He is risen! (Matthew 28:5-7)

It’s still the best news.

In Christ, whether our days are cloudy or clear, because our Savior lives, we live under God’s grace. And that’s the bluest sky of all.

PRAYER: Dear God, Thank you for Your unfailing love. Whether I feel the warmth of pleasant circumstances or I struggle to find rest, You are still at work. Help me to sense where You are working in and around my life. Even now I cling to Your grace and rely on Your power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds” (Psalm 36:5 NLT).