The Anchor of Hope

“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.  He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:19-20

Lately it seems like there is an epidemic of people taking their own lives. People are overwhelmed, confused, desperate and hopeless.  Times are very trying with our economy floundering, people losing jobs and sky-rocketing costs.  Consequently, people’s relationship and health are under increasing stress.  All of these things mushroom and make people feel hopeless about their life situation.

Our hope is to be an anchor for our soul.  It is what is supposed to help us keep grounded and established where we need to be.  Hope is supposed to cause us to not be moved by the waves and tides of life.  This passage states that this hope is “firm and secure.”  What a glorious picture!  When we have our hope in Christ, who He is, is big enough to keep us firm, secure, safe and protected.

We recently took our boat out on a trip.  We found the perfect spot and anchored off to do some fishing, swimming and snorkeling.  The waves were especially choppy that day and before long my husband found the boat to have drifted over on top of him.  The anchor was not strong enough for the pull of the waves and wind that day.  No matter what we tried, we could not keep our boat stationary.  That day it seemed we needed two anchors and needed both of them to be bigger!

Life can be like that boat at times.  We can have adverse circumstances come our way that can easily move us from where we need to be.  The vacuum of life can draw us off of our hope and faith in Christ.  But it is encouraging for us to know that just like the rope that is tied to the anchor on a boat, our hope is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ, and that rope is a lifeline between us and him.

He has entered the inner sanctuary on our behalf.  Just like the priests of old would enter the “holy of holies” to make sacrifices and intercede on behalf of the people, Jesus has entered the inner sanctuary for us.  The major difference being, he is preeminently qualified to do so.  He is utterly without sin. He is pure; therefore, he can always remain in the innermost place with God.  And there He remains day after day, interceding on your behalf.

No matter what you face in life today, please know that it is not beyond the seeing eye of God. He loves us and has a loving and watchful eye upon us at all times.  If we put our hope in Him, we will not be put to shame.  We can trust in Him.  He is our source and will never fail.  When we know that no matter what life throws our way, we have hope in Christ,  that allows us to rest securely, come what may.

Dear Lord, increase my faith and hope today.  Help me to perceive all that you are and how immeasurably capable you are of taking care of everything that concerns me.  Help me to be firm and secure in my hope that is in you.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Sherri