The Silver Lining by Petra Pierre-Robertson

...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair (Isaiah 61:3)

The sky was dark. There was no trace of the sun. We boarded the vessel still hoping to capture the sunrise on the sea. It usually made a spectular portrait. But the ride started rough. I never experienced that level of roughness with this particular vessel. I went on the deck. The sky was dark. The water was a deep dark blue. There was no trace of the sun. The vessel swayed from side to side as it made its journey over the choppy sea.

Scenic frosty pathway

As I looked out over the terryfying loveliness of the wide expanse of the dark sea disturbed by the scenic frosty pathway created by the waters that were troubled by the powerful engine of the vessel, a song came to mind:

Jesus Savior Pilot Me

Jesus, Savior, pilot me,

Over life's tempestuous sea:

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rocks and treach'rous shoal;

Chart and compass come from Thee–

Jesus, Savior, pilot me!

Then I saw it. A silver lining on the horizon far away on the right. It was in one particular area of the sea. I looked up over the lining.

An ominous dark cloud, the darkest in the sky, hung over the lining.

Silver Lining

A phrase came immediately to mind, "Behind every dark cloud, there's a silver lining". The lesson sent me writing this blog as I leaned on the rails of the vessel. The lining was caused by the sun. The lining signified the presence of the sun. The darker the cloud the more pronounced and beautiful the lining!

Quietly it came to mind, "the harder the trial, the sweeter the victory". Reader, regardless of your trial, keep the faith.

After a few minutes, there was a drizzle. Then the cloud was no longer there. The silver lining was also gone. No cloud, no silver lining. What a lesson! Shadows are only possible because of the presence of light. Whatever you are going through, remember that. And remember to look for the silver lining. It may just be a slither, even a slice. A song, a text, a word of encouragement, a simple blessing. It is there. There is always something to be thankful for. Let these simple silver linings in your life be a reminder of God's presence even during your situation.

Shadows are only present because of the presence of the sun

May we experience the beauty of the presence of God even in the midst of our trials