After winding down a long twisty road with a wall of rock on one side and a steep drop-off on the other, I came to a dark tunnel that led straight into the heart of a mountain. I couldn’t see the light at the end, just the yellow lines in the middle, telling me to keep going.
I’ve been thinking a lot about those little yellow lines. When all visibility is gone, when merely a handbreadth of light is all you can see ahead of you, those painted lines across the pavement are literally saving your life in that moment. They’re keeping you from veering off course. They’re pointing the way you should go. And they’re saying you’re not at the end. There’s more ahead of you. Just keep moving forward and you’ll see.
Maybe that’s where you’re at right now, traversing a dark road, waiting for the light at the end to appear. Maybe you’ve been in a long season of one hardship after another, and the summer’s brightness outside doesn’t match what you feel inside. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. And yet . . .
No matter the circumstances around us, there’s always something ahead of us, and there’s always Someone inside us guiding us forward.
We are never left without recourse. There are things we can do, even while we wait for a particular season to end. Like the yellow lines on the road — pointing the way forward to reach the other side — the following things have helped me through those challenging seasons.
1. Turn to God’s Word.
When life’s road gets bumpy, we often turn to easy comforts, like food that soothes or TV that numbs. Let’s open God’s Word instead and soak in its truth. Let’s invite Him to speak into our moments and reorient our thoughts toward Him.
2. Connect with God’s people.
Too often our pain makes us want to withdraw. We isolate ourselves in an attempt to protect our hearts from further injury. Unfortunately, this usually ends up having the opposite effect. Isolation begets loneliness. Instead, let’s ask a friend to meet for coffee, and more than anything, let’s be sure to connect with His family on Sunday mornings. After all, family and community were His ideas from the beginning.
3. Give thanks for God’s gifts.
Nothing takes our negative thoughts captive more than turning those thoughts toward all the amazing gifts God has given. It can be as simple as making a list of all the things we’re grateful for, but more than the things, let’s give thanks for the people in our lives. Oh, what a treasure we find in our loved ones!
4. Seek out ways to bless others.
This is just plain fun. When we’re in a funk and having a hard time snapping out of it, let’s find ways to be a source of joy for others, especially those we may not know very well. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive. Perhaps write a handwritten note of encouragement to an old friend or offer a warm smile and say hello to a stranger you pass in the store.
5. Enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
When life has taken the wind out of our sails, let’s remember to lace up our shoes and walk outside. There’s nothing like feeling the warmth of the sun on our backs while breathing in the cool fresh air. And when we catch a glimpse of His handiwork, let’s stand in awe of His wonder and worship the Creator in all His glory.
When we’re intentional to do all five of these things, we move toward hope when the road is long.
After driving through the shadowy tunnel, the yellow lines in the middle eventually led to the other side, and the whole earth opened up to light, where the landscape before you takes your breath away. You have to pull over to take it all in — the majestic granite rock on both sides, the waterfall to the right, and the trees filling the valley below.
The entrance into Yosemite Valley is dramatic, going from utter darkness to sheer delight. I think it’s another picture God has painted for us to remind us that, yes, the brokenness of this world can feel like a long dark path, but soon — sooner than we might think — the gates of heaven will open and the presence of the Almighty will be the only Light we’ll need. On that day we’ll behold a Beauty beyond anything we can imagine.
Friend, if you’re on a long hard road right now, don’t give up. Keep pressing forward.
Trust Him in the darkness, and He’ll lead you into goodness. It’s a promise.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Denise,
So often our dark roads are leading us to breathtaking beauty, but in the meantime, we keep following the yellow line. God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet – guiding us forward, in the dark, one step at a time. The steps you suggest in moving toward hope are spot on – especially the one about not withdrawing and allowing yourself to become isolated. The enemy would like nothing more than for us to be a lamb separated from the herd that is ripe for the picking of despair. Let’s not give him a foothold. Soothing our souls in the balm of God’s Word is not only comforting, but healing. It’s a holy salve for what ails us. If I’m in a funk, I love to pay for the person’s coffee behind me in the java drive through or take my phone camera out to capture God’s creation up close and personal. These are good practices as we wait. Every day, I end my journal entry with 3-5 things I’m grateful for. Gratitude – what a great note on which to start the day. I know these things, but your reminder is very timely. Thank you so much, Denise.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Denise J. Hughes says
Bev, I love that you mentioned Psalm 119:105 that says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” That is such an apt verse for this story!
xo
Michele Morin says
Sometimes our hearts need road signs and guard rails to keep us moving forward, and these five points sure do function in that way, Denise. And it occurred to me as I shared the tweet (“Trust Him in the darkness. He’ll lead you into goodness.”) that my definition of “goodness” often needs to be looked at carefully for signs that I’ve forgotten my purpose in life is not just to have everything my own way.
Sarah Walker says
Michele, So true that I often need to look at what I’m calling “goodness”! Thank you for that reminder.
Denise, your notes were spot on and I loved the poignant imagery!
Denise J. Hughes says
Thanks, Sarah!
xo
Denise J. Hughes says
Oh, Michele, you are so right about that. I think God’s definition of “good” is right and true, but too often we confuse “good” with material things. Thanks for your insightful comment!
xo
Jen Fletcher says
Your 5 things to do in those times is spot on. When I went through a deep depression after our adopted son came home (our 4th child), I did isolate myself and it made it so much worse. The guilt and shame piled on by the enemy wasn’t relieved because I kept it all to myself. Once I started feeling better and was able to begin sharing my story, the healing God has done has overwhelmed me. He is so good when we remember to turn to him, his word and his people!
Denise J. Hughes says
Jen, thank you for sharing part of your story here in this space. So often the healing comes as we open up and begin to share with others.
xo
Kelly says
Thank you. I needed this so much! It’s as if God has directed right here, this moment, for the encouragement I desperately needed.
Trina Miller says
Me, too. I’m so grateful for God’s goodness!
Denise J. Hughes says
Trina, I will join you in being grateful for His goodness!
xo
Denise J. Hughes says
I’m so glad, Kelly. Thank you for your kind of words of encouragement.
xo
maryann Winslow says
Hey Denise! Long time- no see! I was at the writing retreat you did with Sarah Mae….just wanted to tell you I really needed to hear this today! Thanks for listening to Him Maryann Winslow
Denise J. Hughes says
Maryann! Hello! That was such a special weekend with Sarah Mae. It was truly the best writer’s retreat I’ve ever been on!
So fun to see you here in this space.
xo
Lara Sadowski says
Denise, I love this post, especially your suggestion to seek people out to bless. I find I feel even closer to The Lord when I show kindness to others. Thank you so much for this reminder, Denise!
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow! <
Joy in Jesus,
Lara
Denise J. Hughes says
Thanks, Lara. You have been one of those who bless me with your kindness. Thank you.
xo
Kristen says
Denise, I can’t thank you enough for this post. I am walking a dark tunnel right now of a threatened miscarriage in early pregnancy, and every step seems agonizing. This post really helped me zoom in on what I need to do to keep going. Thanks again, Kristen
Denise J. Hughes says
Oh, Kristen, can I pray for you right now?
Lord, I pray Kristen senses your nearness in a very real and tender way. Be close to her as she walks through this dark tunnel. May Your goodness shine brighter than any circumstance. I pray for peace and comfort. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Penny says
Denise,
Thankful to you for sharing your enlightening words, and thoughtful suggestions.
When things seem bleak, there awaits, Hope,
Have a blessed day all,
Penny
Denise J. Hughes says
Yes! Penny, you are so right…there is always hope. Always!
xo
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
Thank you for shining a light on what we can do when we are struggling with moving forward and we know it is God’s desire for us to keep moving forward and He has a plan for us in doing so!
Denise J. Hughes says
Thank you, Kathy. I think we’ve all traveled through “dark tunnels” at different times, but we are never left alone in the darkness. He is always there, always with us.
Yeng says
Denise, thanks for the encouragement and reminder that I’m not alone.
Hugs,
Yeng
Denise J. Hughes says
Yeng, you are definitely not alone. Not ever!
xo
Connie Rowland says
Hi Denise! Haven’t we all felt this way, like the road is never ending and we just can’t get to our destination? I so appreciate this beautiful description of the path ahead and the encouragement to keep pressing forward. Hope is just around the bend and these five points you’ve shared will surely make the journey much easier. Blessings!
Denise J. Hughes says
It is a journey, isn’t it? I love how you put that >> “Hope is just around the bend…” << Indeed it is! xo
Brenda says
The older I get the more I find myself enamored with hope. Such an easy word to overlook, or misunderstand. Yet, it’s a driving forces in much of life, it seems. It rallies for us in the dark tunnels, and it shines bright in the daylight. Wish I’d have recognized it for the rich gift that it is, in my younger years. Thanks for sharing, Denise. ♥ (P.S., this reminds me of the little “hope” set of necklaces that are (in)courage inspired (I think?) from Dayspring. I bought that set for my friend and her daughter. Her daughter’s situation feels hopeless from the world’s perspective, but praise God, Hope is alive and is undaunted by the dark tunnels of life. Our faith remains in Him and His power to resurrect and restore.) ♥
Denise J. Hughes says
“enamored with hope” << I love that! And, yes, those hope necklaces are awesome. I gave one to each of my daughters. 🙂 xo
Rebecca Jones says
It is always better to look to Him to guide or paths, though I love good bowl of Moose Tracks, He is a better Comforter.
Denise J. Hughes says
Rebecca, thanks for being such a delight. You are cherished!
xo
Jenny K says
I read this and it brought a big smile to my face because it’s so true that these things have helped me move forward and find joy in my own life. Thank you for the beautiful summary.
Denise J. Hughes says
To bring a smile to someone’s face is the best part of every day! Thank you!
xo
Vanessa Ortiz says
Hi- I am in the season of waiting on God’s promises for my son, who is at The Marines boot camp. If you could please pray for him, for peace, joy, and strength. And that graduation will be as scheduled. Please and thank you!
Denise J. Hughes says
Oh, momma, I so hear you!
Lord, I pray for Vanessa’s son. Give him strength and peace and joy and perseverance. I pray this season is a time in his life when he senses your presence in a powerful way. Draw near to him, I pray. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Becky Keife says
“No matter the circumstances around us, there’s always something ahead of us, and there’s always Someone inside us guiding us forward.” Yes!
Denise, thank you for always pointing us back to the Word, to community, and to the truth that this life — with all its dark corridors and challenging seasons, unexpected beauty and delight — is ever pointing us to the hope of eternity with our Lord.
Always grateful for your words. xx
Beth Williams says
Denise,
What an picturesque way of looking at Heaven. We are in a fallen & dark world here. Following the guiding of the Holy Spirit will lead us into the great light of Heaven. The times I have been in a “funk” or dark tunnel I turn to prayer first. Next I turn on some Christian music & sing praises to Him. You may find me dancing in my kitchen. That makes me feel some better & helps me to see this won’t last forever. If I’m really down I make a thankful list. Starting out with “biggies” like home in Heaven, Jesus, etc. & including the smallest things like rain, snow, paper, etc. You realize how much you have to be thankful for & how blessed you are. God is so good. He blesses the socks of us. All we need to do is look around. May we all keep following the yellow lines/Holy spirit leading in our lives.
Blessings 🙂
Bridget A. Thomas says
Beautiful post. It can be hard to keep our focus on the right things during the dark seasons. I appreciate the reminder. Thank you for sharing. <3