Day 2: Holding on to Hope

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10:23 NIV

Life can sometimes feel like a series of storms, each wave threatening to pull us under so that we feel like we’re drowning in disappointment. During such times, hope can feel distant, like a flickering light on the horizon. Yet God calls us to hold on to hope, reminding us that true hope is rooted in His unchanging faithfulness.

In Hebrews 10:23, we are encouraged to hold unswervingly to our hope. That includes holding on to hope even when our circumstances or a lack of progress seems to weaken it. The writer of Hebrews admonishes all believers to hold fast to the truth of the gospel in light of what Jesus accomplished on the cross.

The Greek used for ‘without wavering’ here is based on the idea of an upright object not inclining at all from a perpendicular stance.[1] Our hope, founded upon the solid death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, should be firm and not easily swayed based on what is going on around us.

The writer of Hebrews uses the word ‘hold,’ which can signal that at times, it may feel like your hope is slipping out of your hands. It will not always be easy to believe and trust in God. Holding on to hope isn’t a passive act but an active choice, requiring commitment and strength.

Holding on to hope is like tending to a small plant in the middle of winter. The world around you feels frozen, the days are short, and everything seems still. But you water the plant anyway, even though you can’t see it grow. You shield it from the harsh winds, make sure it gets enough light, and wait. There’s a sense of quiet faith in your actions – knowing that, although the plant is dormant now, it’s still alive, its roots still reaching deep into the earth, gathering strength. You can’t see the progress, and sometimes it feels like nothing is happening at all. But in that stillness, something is happening beneath the surface.

Hope point: Take a moment today to reflect on a specific promise of God that speaks to your current struggles or uncertainties. Write it down and commit to meditating on it throughout the week. Whenever you feel your hope wavering, recite this promise and allow it to anchor your heart, reminding yourself that God’s word is trustworthy and unchanging.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I come before You, weary and in need of renewed hope. Help me hold fast to the hope I have in you and your finished work. Help me not be easily swayed or moved by what is happening around, inside or to me. Give me grace to stay anchored in you so that hope can begin to be stirred up in me again.

[1] “186. aklinés, Berean Strong's Lexicon,” Bible Hub.com, accessed November 18, 2024.