Prayer for Restoring Hope
“We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19a (NIV)
The New Testament word for hope in this passage comes from the root word “elpo” meaning to anticipate, usually with pleasure, and confident expectation. It is often translated to trust implying certainty according to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary. However, in our modern English hope implies something very uncertain, like “I hope the Texans win.”
Heaven is our ultimate Hope, and it is certain. When Heaven comes to earth it fills us with hope. In fact, the Bible says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13a (NIV) In other words we don’t have to wait till we get to heaven to experience hope.
Hopelessness is a common emotion when we experience loss. We feel hopeless. Yet, it’s in those very times when the God of all hope wants to bring heaven to earth and flood our souls with hope. The hope He offers is more than wishful thinking. It is a confident assurance that God will come through! He will not disappoint you! He will make a way even when there seems to be no way! In the storms of life, the Bible says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. …” Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
That passage goes on to say, “… It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. …” (Vs. 19b-20a) This means that hope has a name! His name is Jesus! He is our Blessed Hope! He wants to flood our souls with hope even in the midst of great loss and pain! His hope becomes like an anchor for our souls that keeps us firm and secure. What a testimony to a watching world when our lives are battered by storms and yet we stand strong with hope through our faith in God! His word assures us “And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten. …” Joel 2:25 (KJV)
God knows the pain of loss and disappointment we feel. He cares. He sees when the enemy comes against us to steal, to kill, and to destroy as he did to Job! In those times, we can put our hope in God! He alone is able to fully rebuild our lives and restore everything the enemy took from us!
Let God fill you with hope today! The flood of loss may have taken everything you have but it can never take all that you are when your hope is in Him! He is our Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides! “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11 (NIV2011)
If you’ve lost hope, join me in praying today for God to fill you with hope and experience the confidence of knowing that Jesus is your Blessed Hope! He will never let you down.