CONFIDENT HOPE

By Gretchen Scruby

“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 (NIV)

I sank into the chair in our living room, waving my white flag of surrender. I spent the day cooking and creatively locating quiet places for the kids to work while I played referee. 

I was drowning in my circumstances, which left me unsettled instead of hopeful. I couldn't find the words to pray nor the energy to open my Bible. I should have asked for prayer, except my stressful day seemed insignificant compared to what other people were facing. We had been home for over a month adjusting to our new routine due to COVID-19. Thankfully, my family was healthy, and I was grateful we were all together. How could I complain? 

Nevertheless, the days were running together, and the tensions continued to rise. The thought of doing this again the next day took my breath away. I know Jesus is always with me (Hebrews 13:5), but I still felt alone. Why wasn't remembering this enough to remove my despair?  

The same way a captain must use an anchor to keep his ship stable, especially in turbulent seas, I recognized I needed Jesus in order to keep me steady. So, I began replacing the lies swirling in my mind with God's truths. I Peter 5:7 (NLT) says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Whatever we're facing, God wants us to bring it all to Him. 

I made it through the day, and knew I could make it through the next one. I truly desired this new normal to end. I was seeking Jesus to change my difficulties instead of changing me. Embracing confident hope in Jesus doesn't mean all the storms will cease. 

Despite the winds still raging, Jesus calmed me as I put a few practical steps in place: I shared how I was feeling with others and asked for prayer, I turned on worship music more often to combat the commotion in our house, and I focused on my blessings and how to bless others.

Most importantly, I now meditate on Scripture throughout the day. Over the past month while being at home, I began a Scripture journal—I just needed to open it. Little did I know God had been preparing me for when I'd grow weary in this season.  

“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”—1 John 3:19-20 (NIV)

Pause and Reflect: Is there a storm in your life which you're seeking Jesus to change the circumstances? Will you invite Him in to calm you in the midst?

Practice: Write down Hebrews 6:19-20 and meditate on it. Be reminded Jesus is your anchor of hope, even when you don't feel hopeful.

Pray: Continue to cling to the hope of Jesus, listen to worship music, list what you're thankful for, and reach out for prayer. You aren't alone. Jesus is with you, and He sees all that you're going through.