Life is full of tragedy. No elaboration is necessary.
What is helpful is to think about how one gets past the darkest moments of life, the challenges that drain the soul, the perils that threaten to unravel whatever feelings of serenity we have been able to wrap around us to protect us from the constant assaults that stalk us like famished wolves.
Before that climactic Passover week in Jerusalem, the Apostles, like most of their countrymen, were looking forward to the restoration of their nation, the full revealing of the Messiah they had followed for over 3 years. They felt this was it, and their adrenaline was higher than it had ever been.
Then, suddenly, he was dead. Their Christ was gone. They fled for their lives. They hid in terror. All appeared lost.
So it seemed for a few days. Yet on a Sunday morning the mood changed. They remained confused, but their emotions shifted from bewildered devastation to hopeful anticipation. Things had not turned out as they expected. Instead, their new reality was beyond anything they could have imagined. [Eph. 3:20-21]
And so it can be with us. Whenever life seems at it’s worse, and hope seems a cynical tease, it helps to recall or imagine those times when we felt the rush of pure joy. We can remind ourselves that one day those feelings will return.
While we may not have experienced these personally, we can at least imagine the relief that comes from life’s best moments.
The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with our graduation, or landing the job we wanted, or beginning a long-awaited and deserved retirement.
The birth of a child or grandchild, their graduation, a baptism or wedding.
Paying off a mortgage or lingering crushing credit card debt.
News of a improved medical prognosis.
The restoration of a friendship you have missed, moving past whatever drove the two of you apart.
The Christian hope of a life beyond the heartache of life here. I don’t believe we’re supposed to know much about Heaven, for good reason. All I need to know is in Revelation 21:1-4, where Heaven is described as a place of perfect peace where we get to live with God.
Even if other respites I’ve mentioned have failed, and one has never had the chance to experience those joys, Christians have this final and permanent solace that lies beyond.
So when life is at its worst, and you need encouragement, remember or imagine the relief that comes when things go well.
Jesus knew how everything would turn out when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” [Matt. 26:39 NIV].
Since he has been where you are, he understands, sympathizes, and is waiting for you to let him help you out of your abyss.
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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.
Copyright © 2022 by Dave Soucie. All rights reserved [but permission is granted for non-commercial use only, with proper citation].
Dave Soucie 