HOPE
06th Jul 2016
I was sitting in an early morning prayer meeting as the nation had woken, somewhat stunned, to the Referendum result. However, as we shared the various needs for prayer, it was clear that for many the challenges facing our nation were the least of their worries.
There were those newly bereaved, others fighting life threatening illness, the possibility of homelessness, financial worries, a family with a severely handicapped child. How do we handle these on a day to day basis?
My thoughts went to Hebrews 6:18-19 which speaks of God’s faithfulness, “We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Hope always points to the future, the wonderful thing about our Christian faith is that it is looking forward, not dwelling on the past, whatever may be happening God has a destiny for us. When Abraham was on the mountain, just about to sacrifice Isaac, God stepped in with a miraculous deliverance. Abraham called that place on the mountain, “Jehovah Jireh” which means “The God who sees” and “The God who Provides”.
Whatever we are going through we have a God who sees our situation, who understands our need, and who will point us to a way out, and He will provide. To lose hope is devastating, but for the believer there is always hope.
As we continued praying, I was reminded of Lamentations 3:22, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” it continues in verse 25, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
In the words of the well know hymn:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.
by Charles Sibthorpe
