Life can be hard. This past week I made a new acquaintance on the job. We seemed to bond quickly, and within a short time I learned she was getting ready to commemorate the one-year anniversary of her husband’s passing. He died of a heart attack, leaving her with four children at home. In addition, she had lost her father and cousin within the last year. I just stood there in shock, not quite knowing how to respond. My heart ached for her as I humbly said, “I’m so sorry.” Having known her less than two hours, I didn’t feel I was in any position to console her, but I sure wanted to do so. Instead, I just listened; I’m fairly certain this was what she needed.
Lying in bed that night I couldn’t quit thinking about her and praying for her. As I talked to God, the words to a song I recently posted played over and over in my mind.
My sure and stable hope, the anchor for my soul.
The one thing I can know, your love never let’s go.
My ever-present friend, you’re faithful to the end.
The one thing I can know, your love never let’s go.
I couldn’t help but wonder if she had a sure and stable hope. I’m not talking about a hope full of doubt, but a hope that is confident, knowing for sure what is promised by God in His Word – a hope rooted in faith and anchored to the Lord Jesus Christ.
So many people around us are hurting. The lingering effects of the pandemic are leaving people weary, especially educators. The expectation of returning to normal seems to be lagging, leaving people feeling frustrated and discouraged. However, as believers we don’t have to despair. We don’t have to like the situation, but we can live with a Biblical hope – a confident expectation and firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown.
Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25 (ESV)
There is certainty in Biblical hope. When our hope is in Christ, we can let go of hurt, fear, and self-control. We can be assured that God is faithful to do what He says He will do.
In an earlier blog, I mentioned how John Piper calls Biblical hope an “emotional reservoir.” I think this concept is worth revisiting during these tumultuous times. This emotional reservoir can serve us in so many ways.
When we experience a setback while working with a challenging student, we can dip into the emotional reservoir of hope to stay the course and not give up. Galatians 6:9
When someone is hateful to us, we can dip into the emotional reservoir of hope to respond with grace instead of anger. Romans 12:18
When we face temptation, we can dip into the emotional reservoir of hope to resist our own desires and be obedient to God’s Word. 1 Corinthians 10:13
When the daily grind of work overwhelms us, we can dip into the emotional reservoir of hope, knowing our strength comes from a higher power. 2 Corinthians 12:9
When life deals us an unexpected blow, we can dip into the emotional reservoir of hope, knowing one day everything will be made right when we see Him face-to-face. Revelation 21
Just like a reservoir of water is used to store water for times of need, hope is what sustains us when we have nothing left in the tank and our own efforts have proven futile. As Christians, our hope is sure and stable. As I thought of the young widow I met this week, I couldn’t help but desire this same hope for her. I want Jesus to be her anchor. I want her to be able to embrace the lyrics of this song just like I do.
My sure and stable hope, the anchor for my soul.
The one thing I can know, your love never let’s go.
My ever-present friend, you’re faithful to the end.
The one thing I can know, your love never let’s go.
So, I took a chance. I sent her an e-mail, thanking her, offering her encouragement, and attaching a link to the song. If she is a believer, I prayed she would be reminded of her hope in Christ. If she wasn’t, I prayed this would be her first step to finding a sure and stable hope.
I shamefully have to admit I contemplated not sending the link. I was worried about what she might think or if I had crossed my “professional” line by sharing something spiritual. I’m so glad I was obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The very next morning, I received a response to my email. I was a bit nervous to open it, but was relieved when I read her last two sentences.
“I wonder daily how I can continue, and it truly is His stable hope that never fails me. Thank you so much for thinking of me and my family. This song was such an encouragement to me!”
Do you need to be reminded today of your sure and stable hope? Has God placed someone in your life today who needs a word of encouragement? Our pastor shared a quote this morning by George Herbert. “Good words are worth much and cost little.” Take a moment. Listen to this song, share it with someone who needs encouraged, and embrace your sure and stable hope!
Stable Hope: https://youtu.be/fyYox5usDBE
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 ESV