The Hope That Anchors Your Soul

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There is a hope inside of you. If you are a believer, this hope was born in you when you were born again. The Greek word for this hope is ἐλπίς (elpis) which means "confident expectation".

It is the hope that there is life.
The hope that death is not the end.
The hope that there is eternal life after death.
The hope that one day you will meet your Creator face to face.

This is the hope of Jesus Christ.

Now when this hope is inside you, it does something to you.

First — this hope gives you stability in times of trouble.

Romans 5:3,4 says,
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Trouble does not destroy you, it deepens you. It does not shake you, it strengthens your hope.

Second — this hope sets you free from fear.

Psalm 46:2,3 says,
“Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.”

This hope frees you from being ruled by what is happening around you.

Third — this hope leads you into holiness.

1 John 3:3 says,
“And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

Imagine you’re about to meet someone very important in a couple of weeks. You spend all the time thinking about what to wear, how to speak, how to present yourself, how to groom yourself. In the same way, because we have the hope that we will meet our Lord face to face, we prepare our lives to reflect Him.

Finally — this hope makes us witnesses.

1 Peter 3:15 says,
“Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”

When people see your peace in trouble, your joy in pain, your calm in chaos, they ask, “Why are you like this?” And that becomes the doorway to share the gospel.

So as this new year begins, remember this:

Hebrews 6:19 says,
“This hope we have as an an cchor of the soul.” (NKJV)

We don’t have to be afraid.
We don’t have to be shaken.
We don’t have to panic.

We have this hope inside us.
And with this hope, we can walk into this year — steady, free, and unafraid.

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