[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"reading-0813":3},"AUGUST 13\r\nIf the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth (Eccl. 11:3).\r\nWhy then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our  sky? True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not\r\nquenched; he will be out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more\r\nlikely they will yield plentiful showers.\r\nHow can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles have always\r\nbrought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark\r\nchariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but He will refresh us with mercy. Our\r\nLord's love-letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His    wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about\r\nthe clouds, but sing because Mayflowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.\r\n\r\nO Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet! How near Thou art In\r\nthe cloudy and dark day! Love beholds Thee, and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice\r\non every side. --C. H. Spurgeon.\r\nWhat seems so dark to thy dim sight May be a shadow, seen aright\r\nMaking some brightness doubly bright.\r\nThe flash that struck thy tree-no more   To shelter thee-lets heaven's blue floor Shine where it never shone before.\r\nThe cry wrung from thy spirit's pain May echo on some far-off plain,\r\nAnd guide a wanderer home again.\r\nThe blue of heaven is larger than the clouds.",1783499793296]