Having Hope

Scripture:  Hebrews 6:19a – This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.

Three acronyms that I like for HOPE are:  holding on to a powerful expectation, holding on pain ends, and holding onto prayer every day.  Everyone hopes for something, but real hope comes from God. He gives true hope based on what He has promised us. Hope inspires us, motivates us, encourages us, and give us confidence by faith even when things are uncertain or when you feel like your circumstances are beyond repair.

We find hope in God.  Romans 15:13 says “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.  Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The problem is that people are sinful and separated from God.  Isaiah 59:2a says “But your iniquities have separated you from your God.  Romans lets us know that “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  For the wages of sin is death, but eh gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

God sent His Son to give us hope.  “But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures (I Corinthians 15:3-4).  John 14:6 says “ Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me. “  

Hope is an anchor for your soul.  Hebrews 6:19a – “This hope we have as an anchor f the soul, both sure and steadfast.”  Just as an anchor secures a ship, Jesus secures our soul (mind, will, and emotions).  Jesus wants to be our anchor in the storms of life, and He longs for us to be connect to Him.  Whatever you are facing today, don’t give up.  Get anchored in Jesus!

Eternal hope is found through a personal relationship with Christ.  Titus 1:2 – “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.”  Titus 2:13 says “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God  and Savior Jesus Christ.”  I Peter 3-4 says “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefined and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you.  For surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace and have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You being our hope, and for giving us hope no matter what we go through.  Help us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly, in prayer (Romans 12:12). We need You so much during these times.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)