Hope in the Midst of AnxietySample

Our Hope

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."  Hebrews 6:19-20

I want to start with a question today: are you inviting Jesus into the storm and thoughts of anxiety? The anchor that the verse above talks about is the thing that keeps the boat steady. Similarly, Jesus is the anchor of our lives. Hope means to wait with expectation for what Christ will do, to be our miracle worker, our protector. How are you feeding your spirit? Are you trusting and believing in what the doctors say? What family, friends, a spouse, or a significant other has to say? Or are you meditating on the promises of our God, the One that gives less ground to fear? Let's see what David had to say about hope:

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence for my hope is from him.  Psalm 62:5

“For God alone” not people or situations, God alone. While David is reminding himself about who God is, he is also pouring out his troubled heart. Then David says, “wait in silence.” We can also choose to silence the fear, uncertainty, situations, whatever it may be, and sit with God’s unchanging character, power, grace, love, and His providence. In the uncertainty, though, how do we remain hopeful? David gives the example of quieting our souls and allowing the fear to submit to our God!

He alone provides the strength we need to press on. Hopelessness and anxiety are something the enemy uses to distract us from the intimacy God wants to have with us. He wants to establish our faith and to build us up, but if we are crippled with hopelessness and anxiety it takes away from the intimacy we need to receive from God. But God’s power shines through in weakness, and He will fight for his children and revive hope! God's grace is capable of providing everything we need to endure suffering.

Friends, I know that coming across “strong and confident” or “having it all together” is easier, but that takes away the vulnerability God wants to use. Like David, sit in the quiet and allow Him to strengthen you within. Because God is our hope in the darkness. He’s wiping your tears and sitting with you, my friend.

We might be challenged from these past couple of days with biblical stories like Peter's, Elijah's, Paul's, Nehemiah's, and David's. My challenge for today is to allow yourself to spend time with Him today and open your heart for what He has for you in this season. Ask Him and give Him the space to speak over your life with sweet truth.