I have some diaries that I wrote when I was in high school. When I read them, I sound so silly. I was stressed about things that seem so trivial now. The issues I describe didn’t impact my life beyond high school. In fact, they were largely forgotten as soon as I graduated. And yet at the time, my struggles seemed momentous and overwhelming.

If I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would try to tell her not to worry about these things, that they wouldn’t matter in the end. I would try to say, without judgment or condescension, that it’s going to be OK when you graduate. The next thing will be so much better.

I wonder if I would listen.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John‬ ‭16‬:‭33,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

It’s so easy to become overwrought by our situations here on earth. Our lives are filled with devastating losses and confusing changes. Jesus knows this. When He spoke with the disciples before His crucifixion He tried to tell them that they were going to be confused and afraid for a time, but that everything was going to be OK. The next thing will be so much better.

Today, it’s true as well. My current challenges and anxiety-inducing situations, as seen from God’s broad perspective, are small and easily managed. Nothing that can happen to me here on earth can prevent me from enjoying God’s eternal beauty. The next thing will be so much better. And I can enjoy peace today because of that.

Dear God, I know my problems are trivial to you, but you love me enough to listen, care, comfort, and guide me anyway. Your heart breaks when I am heartbroken because you are a loving God. But you can see so far beyond my pain. You see the beauty, peace, and joy that is to come and is already available when I trust you. Teach me to look with expectant hope beyond my current circumstance.