I can cope with the hardships of life and with death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf."
Hebrews 6:19-20
Many people know that the average human body can only survive about a month without food, even less without water. However, have you ever wondered how long someone can live without hope? Hope, like food and water, is essential for human life. In many respects, the object of our hope becomes a source of life for us. Ultimately, what we place our hope in provides us meaning and purpose. But what happens if the object of our hope is not steady and secure? If I place my hope in my money, what becomes of my identity when the stock market crashes? If my hope is anchored to my career, what happens to my sense of purpose when I am let go or demoted?
Jesus alone is worthy of our hope because he alone is faithful and unchanging. He alone will never let us down. Listen to what Romans 5:3-5 says: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Hope in Christ never leads to disappointment!
A few weeks ago, I officiated the wedding of my only sibling’s only child, Faith. As she came down the aisle with my brother, I was filled with joy and jubilation. My mind went back to about 25 years ago when on the fairway of the first hole of golf, I asked my brother what he and my sister-in-law were going to do after several years of struggling with a bleak infertility diagnosis and multiple disappointments. His response was, “We’re just going to trust God. We think he has a plan.” Even when there was good reason to be overtaken by doubt, they had a seed of hope deep in their hearts. Hence, the name give to his daughter at birth was so fitting—Faith. For a lot of reasons, Faith was a beautiful bride that day.
As you continue your reading through this devotional, I want to encourage you to focus on the Central Practices, for the more we live out our lives in Christ the more we build our hope in him. Hope isn’t developed instantly; it takes time and consistency. As with any relationship, it is much easier to hope in someone when you know that they love you. Know that God loves you deeply. Hope in him.
PRAYER
Father, you are revealing the people and things in my life that I place too high of a hope in. I have trusted in them more than I have trusted in you. Please forgive me. Give me strength to surrender these things in this moment. And the next moment. And the one after that, that I may open myself to you and your love as I have not before. May my fears be overwhelmed by not just a hope, but a trust that you are good, and are worthy. Amen.