At the conclusion of last week’s blog, I wanted each of us be aware of one of the great Christian symbols of our hope in Christ — the anchor. As the writer of Hebrews said,

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19)

This anchor is Jesus Christ, and He is the one who keeps us from drifting away from our faith, preventing us from becoming dismayed and fearful at all that is going on around us. Our Anchor of hope serves to keep us at rest during turbulent times. The Apostle Peter added,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).

In other words, it is because of God’s mercy that He grants us “new birth” in Christ, and extends to all of us a “living hope,” because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And it’s because of His resurrection that we have any spiritual hope at all. Let’s take a moment to consider how hope can make a huge difference in each of our lives.

First of all, Hope changes our perception of ourselves – Peter reminds us that we are just temporary pilgrims (“strangers and aliens”) passing through this life in anticipation of the next life, which is eternal (1 Pet. 2:11). When we see ourselves as pilgrims with an eternal destination, it helps us to put the disappointments and challenges of this life into proper perspective – they are only temporary.

Secondly, Hope changes what we value — Genuine Christian hope causes us to maintain our focus on what we have in store for us in heaven rather than what we have on earth. This was one of Jesus’ consistent themes,

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mt. 6:19-21)

Thirdly, Hope changes how we invest our lives. Christian hope never promotes an “escapist” attitude, but allows us to pursue life with purpose and meaning. We are able to maintain an expectant attitude toward all of the things that God has in store for us. Hope gives us the power to live courageously and to become all that God has called us to be in Christ. Biblical hope is never to be used as an escape from reality or from life’s problems. It helps us to confront them and to be victorious over them, and to trust in the living God, knowing that we don’t have all the answers!

But genuine biblical hope does even more than make some dramatic changes in our lives because it also gives us many blessings as we walk through the trials in this life. Wouldn’t we all like to have joy and peace in the midst of the trials we face? Of course, we all would. Biblical hope produces that. Notice how Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

Biblical hope is placed in God Himself who dispenses hope to every Christian through the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition, who would not want to overcome discouragement and despair during trying times? Biblical hope allows us to do that. Notice what David said in the Psalms,

“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, (Ps. 33:18).

Furthermore, who would not want to have a stalwart and courageous heart in the midst of trials? Indeed, we all would love to have such a heart, and biblical hope produces that in us. King David said in the Psalms,

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD” (Ps. 31:24).

Dear friends, I pray that it is now clear how having genuine biblical hope can make a huge difference in our lives. Not only does it change our thoughts and desires, but it also works inside of us, radically changing our attitudes and emotions. Because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, hope is available to all of us. And believe it or not, hope is His gift to us. When Jesus gives us new life, He also give us hope. And, like any gift, it is free for the asking. So, just go ahead and ask Him for the gift of life and in response, He will give you new life accompanied by an abundance of hope so that we can overcome the trials of the world.