The Hope of Jesus

Hope

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. — Hebrews 6:19–20

The first-century symbol of Christianity was an anchor, not a cross. Pictured on the epitaphs of first-, second-, and third-century believers, it symbolized the hope they had in the life beyond because of Christ. If you look closely, however, you will notice a large portion of an anchor is made up of a cross. Strangely enough, while ships have changed dramatically since that time, the anchor used today has pretty much remained unchanged from ancient times.

The writer of Hebrews tells us,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. — Hebrews 13:8

Much like the anchor.

Life changes from day to day, and turmoil and tempests come with no warning, but Jesus Christ never changes. You can count on him to hold you steady no matter what the storms of life throw at your boat. He will hold you secure until the billows have calmed and the skies have cleared.

The Cross has always been the anchor of hope for those who believe. When tempests in life shake your boat, put your hope in the eternal life offered through our anchor, Jesus Christ.

“I can cope with the hardships of life because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.”

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Personal God

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? — Psalm 8:3–4

When have you been most aware of God’s presence with you? Of His power and His love? Of the hope and strength you can find in Him? How did you respond? If you’re a songwriter, these times can inspire songs of thanksgiving and joy.

David was a songwriter throughout his life. He wrote psalms when he was a shepherd boy gazing at the billions of stars God created, when he was a successful warrior being chased down by jealous Saul, and when he was the king of Israel. The songs of David and the other psalmists express a personal, intimate relationship with God, the kind of relationship that can be yours as well, if it isn’t already.

Like a shepherd, the Lord longs to protect you, provide for you, guide you, rescue you, and comfort you, so that, like David, you can proclaim,

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. — Psalm 23:1

Our good Shepherd longs to have His

goodness and love… follow [us] all the days of [our] life. — Psalm 23:6

What a blessing!

I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life.

Excerpted with permission from Believe 365-Day Devotional by Randy Frazee, copyright Randy and Rozanne Frazee.

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Your Turn

Sometimes as the holiday season approaches, people struggle with hope. The economy, difficult family relationships, a broken heart, struggles in our community, undulating politics can cause stress that wears hope down. Today, let’s refocus on our true Hope — Jesus! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you!