Journal Entry // November 2, 2021
so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. [19] We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
Hebrews 6:18-19 ESV
A sure and steadfast anchor of the soul… Hope. When I think of the word hope, I don’t immediately think about the surety of the thing hoped for. I use this word more casually and with no assurance. I hope it doesn’t rain today. I hope my favorite team wins the game. I hope I pass the test. This is not the hope offered here in this passage. It is not a wishful expectation to have my desire fulfilled. This hope from God is sure and steadfast. So much so that we are to anchor our soul to this hope.
My hope is not that God will somehow accomplish all that he has promised. My hope is secured to the fact that Christ died on the cross for my sin, was dead and buried, was raised up on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father! It is accomplished. It is finished. So why do I need hope? Because it has not been fulfilled.
Evil still works in this world and in my life. My heart is still filled with sin and darkness. It is easy to get discouraged and lose sight of God’s promises and the finished work of Christ. It’s easy to look around and see the world around me moving toward more chaos and away from God. It appears at most times as though everything is wrong.
Hope in Christ. This hope anchors my soul and brings me surety and security. I don’t wish for Jesus to somehow accomplish all he has promised against all odds. No, my hope is that in this world, where everything looks like the odds are stacked against me, I can rest secure in the hope that Christ is seated in heaven and one day will call me home to be with him.
Hope in Christ as he is set before us. Hold fast to his resurrection from the dead. This is the proof that my sin is forgiven. Jesus conquered death the grave. One day he will call me to be with him where he is now. My hope is a confident expectation of a guaranteed event, sealed by the Spirit dwelling within me. My soul is anchored to Christ alone.