Friday August 4, 2023

Today is Friday, August 4 and we are studying what the Bible says about hope.

I quiet my busy mind and center myself on the presence of the God who loves me. As I slow my breathing, I inhale God’s goodness and peace and exhale negative thoughts, worries or concerns.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, you are Lord of my life and King of my day. In all things, I place my hope in you. Walk with me on this pilgrim journey, remind me of your presence, strengthen my steps and encourage my heart. Amen.

I place my hope and trust in God and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 71.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. Psalm 71:14-15

Pause and Pray

This past week we have been studying what the Bible teaches about hope. Hope is more than a positive attitude or wishful thinking. The Bible tells us that we find hope when we turn to God for refuge in life’s storms. The book of Hebrews describes hope as a sure and steadfast “anchor of the soul” that firmly plants itself in the reality of God’s divine presence. Hope is an anchor that holds me firm as the world attempts to toss me about and fierce storms try to unsettle me.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 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 6:17-20a

Christian hope means steadfastly clinging to the good in the midst of the bad. Hope is holding on in the darkness confident the light is coming. Hope doesn’t mean solving or fixing problems on my own and does not rely on human ingenuity. Hope is the unwavering confidence that God is with me and will guide me and carry me through everything. I hold on to hope like an anchor that tethers me to a mighty and powerful God who loves me and will not let me go.

Ask: What are the current storms in my life and what makes me feel “tossed about?” Do I have hope as my anchor?

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for making me an heir of your promises and child of your purposes. Thank you for Jesus who entered the inner sanctuary and gave himself for the ransom of my soul. I flee the things of this world to find refuge in your love and goodness. I take hold of the hope you have offered me and in that hope I find great encouragement. Your hope is an anchor for my soul. In every circumstance my hope is firm and secure. I read the words from Hebrews again and listen for the message you have for me.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 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 6:17-20a

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I seek to learn about hope, I listen to how God is speaking to me through the words of scripture. God wants to speak to me daily and I am learning and striving to listen. I consider how today’s passage informs my circumstances or answers a recent prayer. Perhaps God wants to increase my supply of hope, trust or faith. Maybe God wants to provide encouragement or guidance for a problem. I imagine being out alone on a boat in rough waters. The anchor gives me comfort knowing that God is with me and this storm will pass over time.

Pause and Pray

Loving God, keep me tethered securely to your blessed side. Hold my hand and guide me on the path of life, sidestepping the rocky places and calming the storms at sea. Remind me of the anchor of my soul. I am never alone or forsaken but always helped and carried by your great love. Amen.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

I leave this time of prayer anchored in the hope of God. I go to bring hope to the hopeless and life to the lost.

Amen