Daylight on the Other Side

So it is told that many years ago, Pierre Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, gave a speech in which he shared with the nation that due to budget shortfalls, the government would have to reduce financial assistance programs. “If there is any relief,” he said, “it will be narrowly directed to those in dire straits.” On hearing Trudeau’s speech, the residents of New Dundee, Ontario, assembled and promptly changed the name of their town to Dire Straits. The town’s mayor explained, “If we are not in Dire Straits, I don’t know who is!”

While I cannot verify the story, many of us experience times in our lives when we feel just like that – like we are in dire straits! No doubt that life is challenging. We experience much loss, change, and heartache.

Though it is tough to remember in the midst of hardship, difficult times come, but they also go. My prayer for you today is that whenever you find yourself in crisis mode, you would remember that there will be daylight on the other side. You don’t need to set up camp in the darkness. You don’t need to change your name to “Dire Straights.” Instead, hold onto hope. There is ever the potential to come out on the other side stronger, more loving, more faithful, more compassionate. While you won’t emerge unchanged, you will get through it. God is with you.

Let us pray: Loving God, we claim the promise of the prophet Isaiah – that you will make a way in the wilderness. I pray especially today for those who are in the midst of difficult times – for those who feel as though they are hanging on by the last thread of hope. Give them eyes to see beyond the darkness. Grant them an overwhelming sense of your presence and peace, and carry them through. Amen.