Transformational Transitions Part 5: Hold on to Hope

By Pastor Dan Christian

Hebrews 6:19 speaks of hope as a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” When life is relatively calm and smooth-sailing, we may not think of hope as a vital necessity, but when the storms of life arise and we feel like we’re going under, we know we desperately need something solid to hang on to. Hope is that solid anchor.

But though hope is solid, it is also a bit slippery—it isn’t something we can directly take hold of. The only way to take hold of hope is to grab on to truth. Hope springs to life when our hearts cling to truth, particularly the truth of God’s unchanging character and Word.

So what are the truths our hearts can cling to in the midst of the suffering and sorrow we face? Or what are the truths our hearts hold on to as we walk through a season of transition? If we are to remain hopeful—and not turn inward in despair—in the midst of change (or suffering), we must intentionally set our minds on the truths that awaken hope in our hearts.

Here’s a few hope-awakening truths to get you started…

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) There is a single Hebrew word—hesed—that is translated “steadfast love.” Hesed is God’s loyal love, expressed in a covenant with His people that cannot be broken. Hesed is God’s kindness poured out on undeserving souls. And that loyal kindness never ends!

Hope blossoms when we call to mind the unending faithfulness and loyal kindness of God, which has been lavished on we who put our trust in Him.

“This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…” (2 Corinthians 4:17) The destiny of all those who belong to Christ is glorious—glory beyond our wildest dreams! Through Christ, we will be welcomed in to the very glory of God. We will be approved, delighted in, accepted by God. We will receive a beauty and radiance that we long for here, and which we see now only in dim reflections through the sin-stained beauty of God’s creation.

Hope comes to life when we remember that this dark and broken world is not the end, but there is unspeakable glory awaiting us.

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17) Children of God! Fellow heirs with Christ! Our adoption into the family of God secured for us a status—sons and daughters of the King!—and an inheritance—all the riches of Christ! How amazing is that?!

Hope flourishes as the reality of our standing before God—as adopted children and therefore heirs—sinks deep within our soul.

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32) There is no higher price that could be paid to ransom and rescue our souls than the life of God’s one and only Son. If God was willing to go to such extreme lengths to save us, why do we worry that he may not be willing to help us in the day-to-day struggles of life? He has done the hardest thing—will he not do what is far easier?

Hope springs up when we recall and rest in the Good News of what God has already done.

In seasons of change, and seasons of suffering, hope is vital. So make it a daily practice to intentionally set your mind on these (and many other) glorious truths, that hope would not be squashed by all the unknowns ahead, but rather hope would bloom in your heart like the spring blossoms in all their fragrance and beauty.