Hope That Holds

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
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1 Peter 1:3-4 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade — kept in heaven for you. (NIV)

When I was a young parent, I made a rule that my children hold my hand when crossing streets or in crowded places. I wanted to make sure that they were safe or that they didn't wander away. I've often seen children just automatically reach up to grasp the parents' hands because they know that they can rely on their present and strong help. Holding on sometimes starts with the parents reaching down with love and the desire to protect, while at other times, it begins with the children reaching up for reassurance and comfort. Learning to trust that loving presence is so important to children.

Recently, I watched a travelogue that included a visit to an old church building. The interior was full of beautiful designs throughout. I imagined what the worshippers might have found meaningful as they spent time sitting in the old wooden pews. The sturdy end pieces of the old oak pews had been carefully carved with symbols of interest. Several of these end pieces had images of a simple anchor. The person guiding the tourists explained that the anchor is the traditional symbol of hope. Perhaps, worshippers whose lives revolved around fishing or sea travel might meditate on the meaning of that visual reminder. The traditional shape of the carved anchor also made its top portion look like a cross. Recognizing a cross in the anchor brings to mind the reason that we have hope in the finished work of our Saviour Jesus Christ. To work best, an anchor must attach to a reliable rock that won't move. Jesus has been referred to as the Rock of Ages. Like children who gain confidence when they hold on to their parents, we receive hope from our anchor in Jesus, the Rock, as we live in the present shifting times.

Isaiah 26:4 – Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)

Hebrews 6:19a – We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (NIV)

Dear friends, consider afresh the gift of living hope given to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That living hope sustains, anchors, and steadies us as we face the future and wait for His return. Let us trust daily in God's plans and provisions for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)

Prayer: Our Father, it is so reassuring to realize Your constant presence with us and to know that we can trust in the strong anchor of faith that You have given, which is made secure in the solid Rock of Ages. Help us always to hold on to Your promises and to trust You as You hold on to us. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Lundquist <lundquistsharon4@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen Sharon!


    Thanks for the wise words, Sharon.


    Thank you, Sharon. Great scriptures and message.


    A homemade banner with an anchor on it hangs in the sanctuary of my church across from one of a lighthouse.


    Now in my old age I have to hold on to the railing when I go up and down stairs. Jesus is my railing, supporting me every moment of the day.


    Thank you, Sharon, for another of your very mindful devotionals. Yes, the Lord is truly our rock at all times and for that we need to be so thankful, especially these days with disruption in so many places. Blessings for your special and reassuring writings.


    Isn’t it interesting how often a seafaring theme appears in our hymns and gospel songs? Sharon, your devotional brought to mind the old song, “We Have An Anchor” (“We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll.” This hymn writer also wrote the song “Jesus Saves.”) Thanks for the encouragement.


    Dear Sharon,
    This is a blessing. God’s words, His promises, bring comfort and hope indeed, and you have woven these together with such beautiful illustrations.
    Thank you, Sharon: this is both encouraging and inspirational.
    Blessings in Christ,
    (BC)


    Good morning, Sharon,
    I really like your title of the hope that holds because sometimes mine fades and I have to work at regaining it. The symbol of the anchor in the old church is definitely a good one and you do a wonderful job of explaining how it can symbolize our connection to Jesus. We all need hope as we start our day and when we think about Jesus and his promise as we start our day, hope starts to build in us that this will be a good day and Jesus will be beside us to give us the strength and comfort we need that day. When we are filled with hope, we can see how we can reach out to help someone else and when we do that we are filled with more hope.
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts as you were thinking about the beauty of the old church. HOPE is a blessing of our faith.


    “We have an anchor” was a Boys’ Brigade chorus sung in our Church at the funeral of Jack Webster, a well-known broadcaster in BC. Perfect for life!
    Thanks for this meaningful Daily Devotional!
    (BC)


    Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.

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