Finding Hope and a Glimmer of Happiness in Unexpected Places

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s 

great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” 

–Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV).

I was having a bad day, a really bad day, or rather, a sad day, a really sad day. I had a flight booked for the next day to fly home to visit with my family whom I hadn’t seen in quite some time, when just that morning, I learned I couldn’t go. It crushed me. My husband and I were volunteering in Montana, and I longed to go to my home in Canada for a visit with friends and family. 

Later that day, my husband and I were driving back to our rental place in Montana through the mountains with a motorcycle he had just bought in Washington. He was on his new-used motorcycle, and I was trailing behind him in the car, bawling my eyes out — (don’t worry, my eyes weren’t so bleary that I couldn’t see the road.) My spirit assured me that everything was going to be ok and that God had a reason for the canceled trip. My mind even agreed, but my body couldn’t come into alignment with them. Instead, it felt every ounce of sorrow. 

It was a long, lonely drive home, and the tears came in waves, as they often do, when

suddenly, we came upon a city called Hope. Nope, I’m not making that up. Welcome to Hope, the sign read. Quietly, I asked God if He thought He was funny. And wouldn’t you know it, everything in the city had the word ‘hope’ written on it — Hope Elementary School, Hope Marina, Hope Bike Park — you get what I mean. You could even drive on Hope Highway. By the time we drove through the city and out of Hope, I was full of hope, fully embracing my love message from God. 

Oh Lord, I thought, while driving away on the majestic mountain road, you know me so well. Thank you for reminding me that there is always hope. Thank you for your ridiculousness. Thank you for letting me cry and grieve my loss, all the while gently hugging me with your humor. 

Do you ever find yourself in hopeless situations where God’s mercy and love break through unexpectedly? I love how we serve a faithful God, a God we can always count on to be with us in the pain and sorrow, as well as, the high times. 

Let’s Pray: Lord, in the moments I feel sad and frustrated, and the weight of life feels too heavy, be my strength. When my path seems unclear, by my guiding light. Lord, when hope feels distant, remind me that You are near, always working everything out for my good. Fill my heart with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Renew my spirit, soul and body so I can endure the trials I am in. Thank you for your unwavering love, and comfort.