You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I took this picture the night that devastating hail and rain pounded portions of the Pikes Peak region near my home. What I saw as beautiful clouds forming over Cheyenne Mountain and the eastern high plains killed animals, ripped siding off homes, and destroyed many cars. In fact, as I was breathing in the beauty and composing my pictures, friends of mine were already posting pictures of the brutality of this storm.

It’s easier to see the silver lining when the struggle is someone else’s.

So where’s the silver lining?

Clichés are just that, clichés. They’re an attempt to make us feel better about our situation, but do they? Do clichés reach deep into our broken souls and heal us? They might give a short respite from the overwhelming sense of hopelessness, but the reprieve doesn’t last. Silver linings are clearer to those who are on the fringes of tragedy. It’s easy for me to see the silver lining since my home, my car, and my pets weren’t touched by the hail.

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.” 
Psalm 22:1-2 New Living Translation

Why is this happening to me? Why have you chosen this path for my life, O God? Why is all this pain pounding on me now. Why can’t I see the silver lining?

King David’s gut-wrenching lament finds its ultimate voice in Jesus’ cry from his cross. And since David’s cry, and ours, reaches it crescendo in Christ, we can sing the rest of David’s words.

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.” 
Psalm 22:3 New Living Translation

For those of you going through sorrowful times, express your pain. Lament before God, yet let the cross stand between you and your lament. And with Jesus’ cross before your eyes, sing with David your hope in his saving presence.

Text and Picture Copyright Douglas P Brauner