What spiritual preparations should we make before "the clouds return after the rain"? Setting the Scene “Before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is darkened and the clouds return after the rain” (Ecclesiastes 12:2) sits in Solomon’s urgent appeal: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). He pictures the approach of old age and earthly frailty as storm clouds piling up again after a brief shower—troubles that will not clear. Scripture calls us to prepare while strength, clarity, and opportunity remain. Rain, Clouds, and Our Mortality • Rain that has just fallen = the ordinary hardships of life we already know. • Clouds returning = fresh waves of weakness, limitation, and finally death. • Solomon’s reminder: the window for decisive spiritual action is now, before the permanent overcast sets in (cf. Psalm 90:12). Core Preparation: Remember Your Creator To “remember” in Hebrew thought means active, deliberate response: 1. Turn to Him in faith. 2. Tune your daily choices to His revealed will. 3. Treasure His presence above passing comforts. Practical Steps for Readiness Commit Your Life to Christ • John 3:16—receive the gift of eternal life before the body weakens. • 1 John 1:9—keep short accounts with God through ongoing confession. Cultivate Scripture Saturation • Psalm 119:11 shows the preventive power of hiding God’s word in the heart. • Daily reading and memorization build spiritual muscle for stormy days. Develop an Eternal Perspective • 2 Corinthians 4:16-18—focus on unseen glory rather than fading flesh. • Matthew 6:20—invest time, talent, and treasure where they cannot decay. Practice Joyful Obedience Now • Philippians 4:4—learn to rejoice before the dark clouds gather. • Obedience in small, routine tasks trains the soul for larger trials later. Walk in God-Given Wisdom • James 1:5—ask boldly for wisdom; He promises to supply it. • Proverbs 3:5-6—trust and acknowledge Him in every decision, building a lifelong habit of dependence. Strengthen Your Spiritual Armor • Ephesians 6:10-11—put on the full armor of God while you still have the vigor to practice its use. Serve and Encourage Others • Acts 20:35 reminds us it is more blessed to give than to receive. • Relationships forged in service become channels of grace when personal strength wanes. Anchoring Our Confidence in Christ Christ’s finished work secures our future beyond any gathering storm. Because He conquered death, the believer faces the darkest clouds with unshakeable hope and purposeful preparation today. |
    |