Hope as an anchor
The writer of Hebrews reaches for an image to describe hope: an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast. An anchor does its work out of sight, keeping a vessel steady against currents that would otherwise carry it off. Hope functions the same way. It works below the surface, keeping a person in place when the surface is rough. And this anchor is fixed to something immovable, the faithfulness of a God who cannot lie. Because the thing it grips does not move, the hope does not drift. When the current of a hard week pulls at you, the anchor is already set. Remind yourself today what your hope is fastened to, and let it do its steadying work.
which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil.
Hebrews 6:19 · ASVThe writer calls hope an anchor of the soul, sure and steadfast, reaching behind the veil. The image presents hope as something that secures a person to God's own presence.
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
Hebrews 6:18 · ASVThe writer says God's promise and oath, two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, give strong encouragement. Hope rests on the certainty that God cannot lie.
Jehovah is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lamentations 3:24 · ASVJeremiah declares Jehovah his portion and concludes he will therefore hope in Him. Having God as one's portion is given as the reason for hope amid ruin.
O Israel, hope in Jehovah; For with Jehovah there is lovingkindness, And with him is plenteous redemption.
Psalm 130:7 · ASVThe psalm urges Israel to hope in Jehovah, since with Him is steadfast love and plentiful redemption. Hope is grounded in the abundance of God's mercy.