This month on Do Not Depart, we have been considering what it means to be Anchored by Hope, to have our hope planted in the character of God and the truth of the Gospel rather than our ever changing circumstances.
We began the month asking, “What do you hope in?” and looking at the image of an anchor, designed to protect a boat from drifting away or from crashing into danger. A well-designed anchor becomes set firm when it is pulled against, just as our hope, when anchored in Christ instead of our circumstances, will hold true.
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20)
With a look at Esther’s story, Ali reminded us of God’s sovereignty. “Even in the most dire situations, and even when our limited human perspective just can’t see it, God is working His good and perfect plan!”
Jaime showed us that, “like Joseph, we are looking forward with hope. Not in the dreams God has placed on our hearts, but in God himself, who never leaves us.”
When we see God’s faithfulness and goodness in our past, we can relax in the present and look to the future with hope. Lisa pointed us to the last verse of Psalm 23:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6)
In a beautiful depiction of hope bursting through despair, Cheli said, “in his darkest hour, Jeremiah remembers God’s enduring presence, unfailing love, and abiding faithfulness.”
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
(Lamentations 3:21-23, NIV)
God, making all things new, brings new mercies and refreshing provisions when they are most needed. His transformative grace is renewing us, to worship in the fullness we were created to.
That grace is our hope for both forgiveness for our sins but also victory over sin. As Kelli shared, “We can either 1) focus on ourselves and our sin (setting our minds on things of the flesh) or 2) focus on Jesus and all that He has done on our behalf (setting our minds on things of the Spirit).”
He Will Deliver Us
As my husband and I talked about stories of hope in the Bible, he reminded me of the hope held by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When confronted by King Nebuchadnezzar over their refusal to worship idols and threatened with death in a furnace, they answered,
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. (Daniel 3:16-17)
They were confident in His deliverance, and yet their faith extended even further, beyond the specific outcome for which they hoped.
“But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3:19)
May our hope be likewise deeply grounded in the goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness of our God who is the giver of all good things.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)
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