An Anchor of Hope

 

     The news rarely brightens the day. Today, a young boy’s death, a fire and a car accident. It becomes a habit and a pattern of society to look at the tragic before the triumphant. The headlines take center stage. Our minds are programed to fear and doubt, even when things are going well.

     Choosing to look beyond the tragic headlines, even in our own lives, takes discipline and experience. The tragedies in my life can be taken out and looked at in minute detail. I can picture what I was wearing, the sights and smells, and the reactions of those around me. My mom died almost 34 years ago. Just a month or two ago, I was riding in someone’s vehicle and a scent brought me right back to the hospital where she died.

     God has used the tragedies and pain of experience in my past and most likely yours too, for His good. I always go back to trusting Him when things are looking desperate or hopeless. He has walked me through so much. To Him a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day. (Psalm 90:4 and 1 Peter 3:8)

     Take time to stop to pray for families in turmoil, or those left after an accident or friends going through a difficult time. The prayers may have a similar ring, even with different circumstances.

     “Lord Jesus, let them feel Your presence in a real way. Let them get to know You, if they do not. Show them who You are. Surround them with Your Holy Spirit.”

     Jesus will be there in the middle of the mire, in the deepest pit, through the sights and smells of the pain, in each and every minute detail. He will be there and remain until the very end of the age, into eternity.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  Psalm 40:2

     Hope. Hang onto hope.

    We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6;19

Jesus,

You remain the steadfast anchor of our souls. Keep hope alive for anyone suffering today. Hold them close as you help them out of the pit. You use every bit of suffering to bring about the abundant life. That’s what the cross did for us. We hold on to You.

Amen