The Silver Lining

You know that wise old saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining?” It’s true. You may not think it’s true, especially when fear or illness or darkness surrounds you. But the truth is, the source of the silver lining is always behind the cloud…the sun.

Everyone has lived through days, perhaps years, of darkness in some way. I know I have. Throughout Phil’s “Heart Journey”, we endured many long nights overwhelmed by fear and doubt and concern for his health, even for his life. Phil experienced setback after setback. One step forward, two steps backward. We didn’t live day to day, we lived hour to hour, and sometimes minute to minute. It was hard not to focus on the obstacles thrown down in the way of his recovery. There were so many, we began to expect them.

Ultimately, however, our days of fear led us to days of hope and healing. Every time. Sometimes Phil was too sick, and it was just me hanging on for him. When I couldn’t see light at the end of the tunnel, I had to choose NOT to drown in the dark – which wasn’t easy sometimes. But one of the great blessings I found through those times was a deep and abiding faith. I learned through the fight for Phil’s survival that I was never alone. I knew God loved Phil even more than I did, and that He was in every storm working out His perfect will. Many times, I didn’t know how or when or what God was doing, but I believed He was working in Phil. That sustained me day and night as I waited.

When you are forced to your knees, you have nowhere to look but up. And while you are down on your knees crying out to the Creator for life, a funny thing happens…surrender. When you can no longer breathe, you finally let go. And then…the Breath of Heaven comes pouring in and replaces your fear and doubt with peace…hope…faith. At least that’s how it happened with me.

I found my hope in the Son. He was the silver lining behind every cloud during that time. The Holy Spirit brought Scripture verses to my mind out of nowhere, and I clung to them for dear life!

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

As we begin a new year, let us look for the silver lining behind every cloud…for clouds will certainly appear. We are children of the living God. And because of that, we are people of hope. No matter what circumstances we are faced with, we have the best good news ever! We have a Savior who brings hope and assurance, healing and strength, joy and peace…all in and through Him! He is our silver lining behind every cloud.

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for so great a love as this: that you left your heavenly throne to become one of us, to live and die and rise again, conquering every earthly burden – even death itself. Thank you that in the gift of your life you give new life. Eternal life. Salvation for all who believe in you. This is our great hope! In you, we need not carry our burdens of fear, worry, disease, depression, loneliness, whatever is weighing us down, Lord. Help us to surrender it all to you. Help us to trust in your ways. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.