Haven of Rest – Hope

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As I read in the sixth chapter of Hebrews this morning, I read about hope. Hope is in scarce supply in our world today. Not only is it in scarce supply, but we have trouble accurately defining it.

When most people talk about hope, the concept seems elusive and hard to grasp, something that exists beyond them – a “pie in the sky” sort of dream. We “hope” we win the lottery. We “hope” we get to Heaven. The whole idea is vague and, honestly, a little frustrating.

The hope that is talked about in Hebrews, however, is definite. This hope is an earnest expectation based on the character of God.

“That by two immutable (undisputable) things, to which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation (comfort), who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:18 – 19a, KJV, italics mine).

Do you see the words used to describe hope there? Anchor, sure, steadfast. The hope that comes from God is not vague or undefinable. It is certain and definite. This hope is a hope on which we can stake our life and our future. If we finish verse nineteen of chapter six, we find that the hope rests on the fact that Jesus rose from the dead and went before us.

At one time, my husband captained a large vessel (he said that was the proper name instead of boat). He knew that one of the most important pieces of equipment on that vessel was the anchor. Setting the anchor prevented the vessel from drifting and protected the vessel in a storm.

Hope acts as our anchor in the stormy seas of this life.

Hope protects our hearts when trials come and heartache threatens.

Hope comforts. When we feel adrift, hope holds us steadfast to our goal.

The hope that comes from God is not ambiguous or elusive. It is an anchor for our soul in the storms of this life.

I love the old hymn, “Haven of Rest” that captures this thought so beautifully. Enjoy it with me.

My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,

So burdened with sin and distressed,

Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, “Make Me your choice”;

And I entered the “Haven of Rest”!

Refrain:

Anchor being tossed from ship to moor it at sea

I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,

”I’ll sail the wide seas no more;

The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,

In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,

In faith taking hold of the Word,

My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;

The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,

Has been the old story so blest,

Of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have

A home in the “Haven of Rest.”

Oh, come to the Savior, He patiently waits

To save by His power divine;

Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,

"And say, “My Beloved is mine.”

Henry L. Gilmour, pub.1885, Public Domain

“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven” (Psalm 107:29 – 30, KJV)

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:13, KJV).

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 Father, I thank You for Your hope sure and steadfast that carries me through the daily struggles that I face. I thank You that Your hope brings that sunshine on cloudy days and gives me smiles when tears threaten to overcome. The hope that I have in You is established in the truth of Jesus' resurrection, and I know, I know, that it reaches far beyond what I see in this world. Here I only catch glimpses of the truth that You have waiting. Thank You, Father. May I be faithful to share Your hope with everyone I see. In Jesus' precious name.

A good listen. Haven of Rest