Hold Tightly. Without Wavering.

SCRIPTURE: Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Heb. 10:23-25 NLT

THOUGHT: If ever there was a passage for today…

It’s actually ironic to think this was written thousands of years ago, but I find some strange hope in knowing that saints throughout the history of Christianity have often needed encouragement 1) to hold tightly to the hope we affirm (no wavering! You can trust God to keep his promise!), 2) to motivate each other to keep loving and serving, and 3) to stay in fellowship and worship where encouragement can happen.

What is this hope we affirm? If you’ve been reading along, I talked about it yesterday: it’s that we have a covenant of peace with God that cannot be broken, and that death has been overcome by Jesus. Our twin nemesis, sin and death, swallowed up in victory (Is. 25:8 and 1 Cor. 15:54).

So, if you feel confused today about what to do next as the news swirls around in your heart and head, this is a simple, family recipe, handed down through the ages: hold on tight; motivate others to love and good works; gather with other Christ-followers, worship, and find encouragement for the journey. Eat and repeat.

PRAYER: We know we have to hold on tight without wavering, Lord, and we need your help. Cut deep rivers of love and trust into our hearts where the wavering — and the worship — begins. You are faithful to keep all your promises, and in this world of chaos and confusion, we are grateful!