Anchored in Hope
Photo Credit
It’s crazy out there right now. Are you feeling it? The punches to the gut keep coming in the headlines, and the home front is under constant attack, too.
It’s hard to hold on to hope when your mind is cluttered with images of despair. How do you push back the darkness and press passed the doubt?
Watching the Olympics has helped some. I see hope in those determined feet bouncing off the diving board. I sense something greater is ahead when I watch the tiny power house gymnast stand on a precipice and say, “I got this.”
It’s amazing how flipping the switch on our perspective can pick us up from the mire and help us conquer the mountain.
Here’s the thing: Today, “I got this” because I’ve got Jesus in my corner.
So no matter how crazy it gets, I got this with Him.
See my hope is not rooted in the 6 o’clock news or the stock market. My hope is not founded on my dress size or my salary.
My hope is anchored to Jesus.
And this anchor is not weighted downward and immobile. I am tethered to an upward hope in heaven that keeps me moving forward.
How to Stay Anchored in Hope:
- Look forward in expectation: One day, Christ will return to rescue us from the darkness. Stay focused on the glory to come (I John 3:1-3, NLT).
- Shout out God’s praises: He doesn’t waste a single moment of your life. He is strengthening your frame through every difficult step you take in faith (Romans 5:1-5, MSG).
- Trust Jesus with laughter and singing: Want to make the devil disappear? Start singing “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart” at the top of your lungs. Stay lighthearted and worshipful as you wait on God (I Peter 1:3-9, MSG).
- Pursue wisdom: Doubt dispels when you flood your heart and mind with truth (Proverbs 24:14, NIV).
- Tap into your power source: The power of Christ who overcame death itself lives in you. The Holy Spirit will fill you up with joy and peace as you surrender to Him (Romans 15:13, NLT).
- Remember God’s mercies are new every morning: God is still on the throne. The sun will rise tomorrow. Greater things are ahead. He loves you with an unfailing love that never quits (Lamentations 3:19-33, MSG).
Hope overflows from the soul that is anchored to Christ.
Something to think about…
Lyli, I just love coming here on Thursdays because you ALWAYS have something good that encourages me. I love your practical ideas about holding onto HOPE. I’m reading it too and am finding it helpful. (Even though I’m not particularly prone to depression, of course I struggle, and it’s helping me in so many practical ways.)
So glad to hear it Betsy! Scripture says we must remain “alert and sober” and knowing the ways of the enemy is so crucial to that end!
Glad you were encouraged, friend. I never thought I’d struggle with depression… Until I did. — I am so thankful that Dr. Michelle is sharing her story & wise counsel in this wonderful book.
This is such a great two-fold teaching – and I just finished reading Michelle’s book as well, so your words are a great “refresher course” in hope.
Michele,
Isn’t HOPE a valuable commodity? #HopePrevails!
Thanks for sharing today. I’m reading Michelle’s book too right now.
Thank you for the link-up. Have a great week.
Debbie,
You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that His hope floods your heart!
I look forward to getting a copy of Michelle’s book and absorbing those nuggets of wisdom she shares. Praying that God uses her words and her love for Him to bring hope and His healing into the lives of those needing more and more of His love.
And I love the way bloggers love on one another by sharing and encouraging! Thanks for promoting Michelle’s book, Lyli.
Blessings!
Dawn
Dawn,
It is my prayer that readers will find His help, hope, and healing in the pages of “Hope Prevails”!
And many thanks to friends like Lyli who help spread the word so that even more can hear of it and receive help!
Love you, friend. So excited about your book!!!!!
Yes indeed, He is our anchor. And Michelle’s book? I’m only 1/2 way through, but it’s a keeper already. Good stuff awaits in those pages!
So glad to hear it Kristi!
Glad to hear that you are enjoying Michelle’s book. Bruce & I have both fought the depression battle, so it’s a subject I am passionate about.
Lyli,
Thanks for sharing Dr. Bengston’s book and for always pointing us back to God 🙂 May God continue to encourage you, too, my friend 🙂
Love you, Dolly. So lovely to see you here today as I know you are busy with a writing project. Hugs
Great message, Lyli! with references to keep us grounded. Thank you, sister!
Thanks, June. Most of the material here actually came from a video a made for a Consilium small group Bible study that I did with my online buddy Summer about a year ago. — I did a short video teaching, & I found the video on my phone this week.
“tethered to an upward hope in heaven that keeps me moving forward.” YES! And Amen! What a joyful thought!
Let’s keep looking up. He’s coming back soon. 🙂
Lyli, I linked yesterday but did not have time to spend here with you. I returned today mainly because I knew I would be encouraged. And I am so glad I did! Truly hope does overflow from a soul anchored to Christ. No matter what it looks like as we look out and about, we will not shift nor drift for our anchor holds. Thank you so much for sharing your words with us all. Blessings!
He’s got us covered. 🙂