“There’s Someone Better”

I really don’t like that hope, you know? It actually makes me feel frustrated and sadder. I know people mean well. I know I mean well when I’ve said it, but it’s so misses the mark.

I don’t think God uses our pain for good by replacing it with something better. I don’t think that’s the point of his kindness. I think he doesn’t waste our pain because he is it. He’s the better thing. So to comfort someone with this promise that a better guy or job or opportunity will come along moves the attention onto something that places God as secondary comforter. He is ultimate comforter.

Joy does come to replace sorrow.

Happiness does come after sadness.

Sometimes they coexist.

The better guy does come along.

The job of your dreams finally arrives.

Finally, relief.

But where do our pleas and prayers go when we are in the midst of hurting?

When my best friend tells me “he wasn’t the one for you. God has someone that’s for you.” she isn’t lying. She isn’t tricking me. But would it be much more deeply healing if we pointed each other to the truth that Jesus is enough. Not out of cynicism or pessimism, but out of truth. Out of the firm hope that anchors our soul: God is everything. Even if the husband doesn’t come. Even if the job doesn’t come. Even if it does. Even when.

We are taught to praise him in the mountains and the valleys.

But does our hope praise him, too?