The fog had been lingering over the valley for days…and days…and days.
We woke up and fell asleep to the same shade of gray.
The first couple of days I fully embraced the mystery of it. It felt romantic and maybe even a little bit dangerous. You didn’t know what was just beyond that hill or around that corner.
And then, we found out that we were experiencing something known as an “inversion”. Along the coastline and up into the mountains they were enjoying beautiful sunny days. But here, in the valley, the fog hung over us and wrapped around us like a thick blanket. And not a warm one!
When I heard about the glorious sunshine others were experiencing, the fog no longer felt mysterious and romantic.
It just felt oppressive. Why should “they” be getting sunshine when I could barely see 10 feet in front of me?
It got so that I was no longer certain if my mood reflected the weather or if the weather reflected my mood.
I began to wonder if the fog would ever leave. When would I get to feel the warmth of the sun on my face?
Should I find a way out of it? Get in my car and drive to wherever the weatherman reported a sunshine sighting?
But, my life was here in this fog.
And perhaps the fog was here for a reason.
How often do the circumstances of my life leave me longing to see what is around that corner or over that hill and yet being completely hemmed in by the clouds?
How many times has my life felt foggy?
I know in my head that there is sunshine just beyond it and yet, in my heart, all I feel is the awareness of my inability to get out of this.
I like to control things. I want to know what’s ahead of me and I don’t do well with change. In my relationship with God this has been and continues to be one of my biggest struggles.
But, in life there is great mystery. There are times when we are oppressed. There are times when we don’t get the answers we are longing for. There are times when we wonder if we will ever see clear skies again.
Is it enough for me to know that while I am in the fog, God is in control? Would I still trust Him even if I didn’t know that there was sunshine elsewhere? Can I stay with Him here, in the fog?
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 25:3
I’d like to get to the point in my faith where I’m not always looking for the easiest way out of the “fog” and into the “sunshine”. My past experiences have actually shown me that it is in the darkness when I feel the closest to the Lord. I call out to Him out of desperation and He meets me in that moment. He offers me peace and comfort. I see myself sitting with Him in a field and all around us is fog but there…in that little space…just me and my God…there is sunshine.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Yesterday, the fog lifted. Granted, we traded it for rain. But, there have also been pockets of sunshine!
And with them, comes the reminder that solid faith, trusting faith, doesn’t shift according to the weather. It may be challenged by the storms of sorrow or send us soaring among the clouds of happiness. But if we believe that the Lord is sovereign over it all, we have the assurance of His never-failing love. Love which can break through any “weather pattern”.
Even fog.
Thank you so much for joining me today at the Fence,
Find this story and more in our book ‘Life in Season‘ in stores now!
Well done, indeed.
wonderful post, Vanessa. But aside from the “spiritual”, I do have to admit “in the natural” it felt a little like Wuthering Heights!
I hadn’t even thought of that Debra! Wuthering Heights is one of my all-time favorites! 🙂
Lovely post! It is so comforting to know God is in control, even when we worry so much & try to fix things on our own.
Blessings,
Carol
SO true friend, so true. We are always trying to find our way out of the fog and into the sunshine aren’t we? I loved this, “I see myself sitting with Him in a field and all around us is fog but there…in that little space…just me and my God…there is sunshine.” He is our Sonshine isn’t he? Thanks girl, great post!
Beautiful pictures Vanessa!
Sherry
Simple well expressed and how we all feel at times; some greater some less. I like to use that “Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil…” and the stress is on the word THROUGH…….
With fortitude,
So beautiful and powerful. Sometimes “fog” can bring on fear…….your verse “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 is one of my favorites. I have also held onto this verse. One when it seems like I am in a “foggy” situation and I can feel fear wanting to bubble up. John 16:33 ESV
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ” Thank you Vanessa for your consistency of sharing your heart. XOXO! Rebecca
Beautifully witten Vanessa! Thank you for the reminder of God’s faithfulness! Love you, Mom
Beautiful post Vanessa. The Bible is full of examples of God allowing a dense fog so that without Him there is no way through it. In the end there is blessing and His will is accomplished. We cannot cut through such a fog on our own; we find ourselves empty and have nothing to draw upon unless we cry out to Him for help and direction. Thankfully He promises to be faithful, that when we seek Him the fog will clear and when it does we will find ourselves right where He planned, which is the BEST place to be! We must however be willing to accept that sometimes being exactly where He plans may not be easy and may look different than we had hoped. Sometimes we will be in uncomfortable circumstances because we are the vessel being used for Him to work His plan in the life of someone else, so our fog and coming to the end of ourselves is so we will let go and let Him, not only for our sake but for the sake of another. Being right where He planned may be challenging and difficult but he promises His grace is sufficient for our heart and soul to be content for us to have true joy and peace in whatever circumstance. Surely your post touches many. I’ve been there and God has dispelled my fog with peace and joy, and I pray for those reading your post who may find themselves in a fog, that their hearts will be renewed by His love and peace…there is hope!
I hope you have an amazing Sunday sweetie!
Cindy
Beautiful post!
xx
Anne
I am in my own metaphorical fog right now, but I think God puts us there for his purpose. So that we’ll trust him, lean on him, cry out to him. Love your thoughts, Vanessa ~ here’s to sunny days along the way. 🙂
xo Heidi
I experienced some deep, bottomless dark days (months, years) with our adopted children. Every day brought a new surprise and another realization that our life would never be the same. But it was during those days that I realized God had to be enough because it felt like that was all I had left. I remember lying prostrate on the floor and begging God to change something in my life that would make it easier. Instead, He changed me. He transformed our family and gave us a heart for others. It’s why I started blogging in the first place. Thank you for reminding us that we all experience days and sometimes even years like this, but He alone is faithful.
Great post, reminding us that God is always there, in the fog, in the darkness, in the storms of life. He will guide me through if I ask him to. Thank you for your thoughts, you’ve helped me remember my Hope, I know the sun (Son) is always there even when I don’t see it!
I think that this physical world mirrors the spiritual. God uses that to teach me all of the time.
What a wonderful post. John 14:27 is my favorite Bible verse. Thanks so much for sharing this.
I really needed this post tonight. Thanks so much!!
I hope my facebook comment went through, first timer. I love your quotes, some of my favorites. And oppression happens, but not possession by anyone but our Lord unless we let our enemy in.<3
Hi, Vanessa
An amazing post. I too find myself struggling to get out of the fog, but just when I feel like I can I call out to God and He is right there. “In our weakness He is strong”. I am always grateful to God for His goodness,mercy and grace.
Thank you for sharing this inspirational post.
Hugs,
Vanessa
Vanessa…I am glad that the fog has lifted and you are now dancing in the rain….beautiful post!
I’ve been living in the fog for some time. Thank you for the encouraging words, Vanessa. I’m keeping my eyes open for the sunshine.
Jeanette @ Creating A Life
I love this post, it’s so true and such a good perspective on life. You are such a talented writer Vanessa!
Anna
askannamoseley.com
Beautiful post Vanessa – the message, the photography, and the writing. Sometimes we just need a little reminder that the fog will lift when we put our faith in the Lord (and in His time, not ours).
Hugs –
Carol
What a beautiful post. Too true about walking through the fog and trusting in the Lord. When I get stuck there, sometimes I get annoyed with myself for not remembering all the blessings and learning that come from being stuck in the dark. Hope the fog continues to clear for you and only sunshine on the forecast for the future. -K
beautiful post! I love your heart in this, I know I hve had the same thoughts many many times. Thanks for sharing