The 1946 movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of a small-town dreamer named George Bailey. In his younger years, George is full of big goals and lofty ambitions. He is known throughout his town of Bedford Falls as a man who wants to experience every good thing the world has to offer. And he has the charisma and the courage to make his dreams a reality.

But before long, life throws him some curveballs.

Although George desperately wants to travel the world, a series of events force him to stay home and run his family's business. He finds himself watching his dreams die, caught up in the mundane day-to-day life he hoped so desperately to avoid. To make matters worse, an accounting mistake threatens to close his business and put his family's well-being in jeopardy. George is in such despair he falls into a state of depression.

Disappointment can be a crushing weight to carry. But the Bible tells us in Proverbs 13:12, "When hope is crushed, the heart is crushed, but a wish come true fills you with joy" (GNTD).

I often think of this verse in my own times of grieving over life's disappointments. Whether it was my broken engagement, losing young friends and family members to illnesses and addictions, or finding my plans unraveling at the seams, I have had my heart crushed in the graveyard of dead hopes and dreams. I have known the tears, I have known the anger and I have known the confusion of a life re-directed.

How did I get through these challenges? Through the pain, I remember that God loved me enough to send his son Jesus to die on the cross for me, even while I was still living a life of sin (Romans 5:8). I remember that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and that in Christ, God is for me and not against me (Romans 8:31). As I meditate on the deep love of Jesus, my hope is renewed in the promise found in Romans 8:28:

"We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose" (CEV).

The things I experience in life won't always make sense. At times, it may be difficult or even impossible to find good in the midst of tragic circumstances. But the Bible reminds me that I serve a good God who loves and cares for me. You can use the following three verses, and the verses listed above, to reflect on the hope we have in him:

Peter 1:3-4 (CEV)

"Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear."

Romans 15:13 (GNT)

"May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Psalm 34:18 (CEV)

"The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope."