Anchoring Hope The parent that tirelessly cares for their precious children, the young person committed to extended years of study, the activist striving for a cause, the extreme training of a champion, endless hours of the virtuoso’s practice … – anywhere there is commitment of time and endurance for a promised reward, there is the effective application of hope. As long as that expectation is alive and well, hope will drive whatever it takes to get past any roadblocks. When the requirements overwhelm, however, the death of hope will disable any ability to arrive at that desired end. Maintaining a fixation on the prize, then, no matter the diversions, discouragements or distractions becomes essential to making it from the inception of its dream to its full realization. Keeping hope alive enables holding of the prize. And, it’s in the termination of other hopes that the most important one will breathe on. In Christ we’ve been given a promise of life, both for now and eternally, that is in need of an unwavering fixation. Though already secured for us, it is not forced on us, but requires our choice of focus over the many obstacles and diversions of life. Successes, failures, relationships, cravings, discouragements, disillusionments… all can disable any experience of this greatest promise. Faith that takes possession of our promise cannot remain where hope fades. No matter how diminished this hope becomes, however, by its many threats and challenges, there is always an opportunity for it to be renewed and made ever more effective. By drawing near to the Source of life and focusing with passion on His promise again, the power of its threats can be overcome. In His presence and standing on His Word, hope is kept alive and effective all the way to its expected glorious end. Notes Hope: A condition of the soul where comfort has been found with regard to a joyful expectation that equips it to stand strong and overcome until experienced. Focusing intentionally on a promise yet to be experienced. Levels of hope – O well hope O man hope O no hope The essential element in faith that drives it to action. Hebrews 11:1 1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. Anchoring Hope – Going past the veil into God’s presence with His Word Hebrews 6:18-20 18 So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakeable hope! 19 We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, 20 and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek. For anchoring in Christ – has to be the only “O no man” hope Philippians 3:7-8 7 But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile—now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing, in order that I can have Christ, Hope in God – most necessary/effective when no other reason to hope Romans 4:18 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” Recognizing the soul’s groaning – release it in the Spirit Romans 8:22-26 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Holding the anchor Romans 5:1-5 1 So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. 4 And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. 5 Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Overview: Hope: A condition of the soul where comfort has been found with regard to a joyful expectation that equips it to stand strong and overcome until experienced. Levels of hope – O well hope, O man hope, O no hope Faith requires hope to keep pressing. Anchoring hope in Christ is going into the presence of God with His Word. For hope in Christ to hold, other anchors must be cut loose as “O no hopes” When the soul is troubled by the world, it is released to hope by praying in the Spirit. Responding to challenges with joy in the promise activates the love of God in the Spirit. Prayer: Father, I am drawn again to know this place You’ve made me to come in Christ, right in Your presence. As I remain here, focused on Your Word, cause hope to come alive with joy in anticipating everything You’ve promised. Strengthen and empower me here to press on past any challenges to know and hold all that You’ve already given me in Christ. Declarations: In Christ I have received the promise of abundant life here on the earth and through eternity. As I now come boldly to the throne of grace any hope in that promise is anchored against any challenges. By thinking on His Word and honoring His presence I am freed from all other diversions in hope. I rejoice with every challenging problem and trial, knowing that my patience is growing with each one as it takes me closer to the promise. When my soul is troubled, the Holy Spirit is my comfort and helper to release effect prayer and maintain anchored hope, alive and strong.