City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹⁹ This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil…

Hebrews 6:19 (NKJV)

…when the real want for Heaven is present in us, we do not recognise it. Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.

C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity Book 3, Ch 10

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s scripture on hope is encouraging to me because it describes hope as an anchor of the soul. That is very reassuring given the turbulence all around us. Think of it, given all the ebbs and flows we go through in life, God has designed hope to anchor the soul which draws us into His Presence behind the veil, the inner room of the sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. 

The veil imagery is also consistent with C.S. Lewis’s thoughts on hope in which he outlines the way hope is either misplaced or abandoned altogether. Eternal hope is shrouded in the mystery of the Gospel. Apart from Christ, one is either disappointed or disillusioned.   

As Christians, our hope is not in this life. The tension that springs from a hope not yet fulfilled should beckon us ever closer into God’s Presence where our souls are anchored. Although we have not yet reached our destination, the Holy Spirit is guiding us in the right direction–and that’s a huge relief!  

The fact that the fulfillment of our hopes cannot be found in this world shouldn’t dishearten us, but rather propel us forward through life. It means we haven’t arrived yet. We are just passing through. When you begin to see it that way, it opens up a whole new realm of purpose and meaning. Living this life with eternity in mind will not only steady your hope, but also build an anticipation that the best is yet to come. 

Application

If you are a believer, are you excited about your future in God? Why or why not? If you are experiencing the pain of disappointment or the numbness of disillusionment, allow the Holy Spirit to refresh you with the hope we have in Christ. 

Take a moment to worship and focus your heart on God. When you are in a quiet, private place, sing the lyrics of this song aloud:

Prayer

Father God, I pray these words would be a reality in my life: 

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly trust in Jesus name