Hope ~ Part 1

Many people speak of having hope, keeping hope alive, losing hope, and having no hope.  The Book of Hebrews teaches that Hope is an Anchor of the Soul, both sure and steadfast.

This Hope is not the hope of being rich, or being healthy, or living a long life.  It is the Hope that gives stability to one’s life despite setbacks and challenges. 

Here are some parallels:
1)    An Anchor provides stability and security to a ship in a storm.  A mariner must have an anchor when he is in danger of rocks and sand bars.  Without it, the vessel will be in great jeopardy.  Our hope in God, through Jesus Christ, gives a sense of peace and calmness during the times of trouble.
2)    An Anchor, when cast into the water, takes hold of something which cannot be seen.  Our Hope is in Christ Jesus, Who is in Heaven.  We cannot see Him as He intercedes for us as the right hand of the Father.  But, our hope is that He Who died on the cross for our sins is now our Advocate in Heaven.
3)    An Anchor takes hold of a rock in order to keep a vessel from shipwreck.  Christ is the solid Rock which keeps a soul safe in perilous times and prevents spiritual shipwreck.
4)    An Anchor is attached to a vessel by use of a rope or cable.  Faith is the cord that attaches Hope to our soul.  Hope without faith is of no benefit to us.  In Hebrews 6:19-20, Hope must be cast within the veil, where the fore-runner, even Jesus, has entered.

Here are some disparities:
1)    An Anchor is cast downward into the water.  But, the Anchor of the soul is cast upward into Heaven.
2)    An Anchor may let go or be broken.  Hope, the Anchor of the soul is both sure and steadfast.  If Hope is lost, everything is gone.  But, Hope does not disappoint us. 

Here are the words of an old hymn that can strengthen and help us:

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but, wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

Check back soon to read Hope ~ Part 2 in the next Truth In Love Blog.