The Silver Lining

Mary K. (Mamaw) and I have maintained a personal, early morning "Q.T." (Quiet Time) for many years.  In our apartment now I occupy our Computer Corner and she sits in the streetside balcony corner where she also pursues her ministry of painting greeting cards. Then, after breakfast, we share blessings with each other from our Bible reading.   Our building faces southeast and at this time of the year the sunrisings are in full view and each one is uniquely beautiful.  Recently on TV we enjoyed a rendition of the old familiar song "Always Look For The Silver Lining!" And shortly after that we witnessed another unusual sunrise as the clouds were dark above while the sun cast a truly silver lining on the underside of each cloud.  We remembered Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament sheweth His handywork!"  And I was led to ponder along with that, Job 37:21 - "And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds..."  We see so many "dark clouds" in the world and in our lives today, but, for the Christian, each one truly has "a silver lining"!  That is, not produced by the sun, but by the SON.   Knowing Him as Saviour we also "know that all things work together for good to them that love God..." (Romans 8:28)  In nature, as the verse in Job goes on to say, "BUT the wind passeth, and cleanseth them (dark clouds)."  So, facing trials and temptations,  Christ's Presence in the Person of the Holy Spirit and His Promises give the believer a continual "silver lining" of forgiveness, joy, peace, assurance and hope.  As on old scholar puts it:  "Job and other sufferers (often) cannot see the light of God's countenance through the clouds of trial, but the  wind will soon clear them off, and God shall appear again.  Let them but wait patiently, for He still shines, though for a time they see Him not!"  In closing, we encourage you start a regular "Q.T" if you dont' have one, and, if you do have this good habit (even a few minutes), please KEEP IT GOING, and watch for that "silver lining"!  Also, if you need a good seat near our balcony window to get a special sunrise view, just let us know!