It is hard to believe the 21st century is already a quarter complete. Beginning with the world-alarming “Y2K” panic, the 20th century closed with the threat of computer malfunction when the date rolled over to 2000, promising that everything from nuclear plants to traffic lights would dissolve into chaos. It didn’t happen. A little over a year into the new century, terrorists took down the Twin Towers and crashed into the Pentagon, leading the United States into two wars that lasted over two decades. A few other events included seven “most important election of our lifetime” presidential races, the explosive growth of technology that led to personal “smart phones,” the legalization of gay marriage, and a worldwide pandemic to boot. Still, if the preacher of Ecclesiastes were present, he would likely conclude “there is nothing new under the sun.” Through all these events, people have behaved as people have always behaved.
It has certainly not all been doom and gloom. During this same period, happy couples have begun their lives together, babies have been born, and, most importantly, many have been baptized for the forgiveness of their sins and added to the body of Christ. Despite many nerve-wracking situations, hope is alive and well. Like the centuries that have preceded the 21st, many have chosen to neither put their trust in what is fleeting nor crumble when adversity arises; they have anchored their lives in the Creator God.
An anchor prevents drift. The Hebrew writer employed this idea when he wrote,
“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (6:17-20).
Employing tabernacle imagery, “behind the curtain” is where God abides. Jesus, as high priest, has brought God and human together through His unifying sacrifice and covenant. Thus, no matter what happens in the affairs of man, the Christian boat is not rocked; it is steady and unmoving, thanks to the love of God.
Hymnist Priscilla Owens began her hymn, “We Have an Anchor,” with a pertinent question: “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?” Life events, whether international, national, or personal, can be frightening. God does not call on His people to simply sit back with a stoic attitude toward such things; He is aware that they are concerning. What He does call on His people to do is to have genuine hope. This stands in opposition to some nebulous concept of hope as a religious word with little real value; it means trusting that no matter how frightening the event might be, God is in control. Such hopeful faith begins by not anchoring hope in the transitory. Political parties, presidents, and politicians come and go. Money quite literally can be here today and gone tomorrow. Technology can make life easier, but it is not a deity. To anchor one’s trust in any of these things is to set oneself up for failure.
Genuine hope is achieved when one is anchored in God. It is developed in a life of prayer, asking His guidance and help. It is nurtured in hours of study, seeking to better understand the mind of God as revealed in His word. It is strengthened by time spent with fellow saints, strengthening bonds with those whose anchors are also behind the curtain. When such godly pursuits dominate one’s time and mindset, genuine hope will result.
As we look forward to a new year, it is a good time to evaluate our outlook and bolster our hope in God. This means making sure that concrete plans are in place for spiritual growth. Rather than nebulous resolutions such as, “I will pray more,” or “I will study more,” designate when and how these hope-building activities will take place. “I will read my Bible daily at 6:00 a.m.” (or 6:00 p.m. for non-morning people), “I will pray 20 minutes each morning before beginning my daily routine,” “I will invite fellow Christians into my home once a month” are just a few specific, concrete actions that can be taken to strengthen hope.
In addition to all these things, spend time dreaming about eternal union with God. Exploring the vast mind of God, as well as building relationships with saints of all ages are two of many things that will employ our eternal attention. Worshiping with fellow saints at the throne of God with no time constraints or physical limitations is also worthy of meditation. The more real eternity is in the mind, the greater the hope that will be present.