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  CLOUDS AND DARKNESS ARE ROUND ABOUT HIM
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: Even in the midst of clouds and darkness, God's mercy and truth
are always present and will guide us through trials and temptations.

Topics: "God's Presence", "Trials and Comfort"
Scripture References: Exodus 13:21, Psalm 89:14

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes that the presence of trials and clouds in our
lives is a sign of following God's guidance, as seen in the experiences
of the disciples who entered the cloud to witness the glory of the
transfiguration. He illustrates how the cloud served as both a shelter
for the Israelites from the harsh sun and a symbol of God's mercy and
truth amidst darkness. The sermon reassures believers that even in
difficult times, God's presence is a protective canopy, shielding them
from the heat of sorrow and temptation. Ultimately, the clouds signify
not only trials but also the promise of God's glorious appearing.

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CONTENT
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The presence of clouds upon your sky and trials in your path are the
very best evidence that you are following the pillar of cloud and
walking in the presence of God. The disciples had to enter the cloud
before they could behold the glory of the transfiguration. A little
later that same cloud became the chariot to receive the ascending Lord,
and it is still waiting as the chariot that will bring His glorious
appearing. Still it is true that while clouds and darkness are round
about him, mercy and truth are ever in their midst and shall go before
thy face (Psalm 89:14).

Perhaps the most beautiful and gracious use of the cloud was to shelter
Israel from the fiery sun.

Like a great umbrella, that majestic pillar spread its canopy above the
camp and became a shielding shadow from the burning heat in the treeless
desert. One who has never felt an oriental sun cannot fully appreciate
how much this means-a shadow from the heat. So the Holy Spirit comes
between us and the fiery, scorching rays of sorrow and temptation.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/clouds-and-darkness-are-round-about-him/
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