It may look dark and the shore might seem far away, but darkness cannot overcome the light. Darkness cannot turn off the light. Take the anchor with you, so you don’t get lost when you take a rest or go on land. Maybe you can’t see it, but there is hope.
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrew 6,19-20)
Hold on, pray for endurance. The hardship will give hope:
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope” (Rom 5,3-4)
Father, thank you that you’re with us in every season. We want to fix our eyes on the invisible. Jesus lives! We want to trust your power, plans and timing. Thank you that you will give us joy and a new beginning, amen.
Hold on to the hope for the new year.
Isaiah prophesized this about Jesus:
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;a
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;b
2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.c
4They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.” (Is 61,1-4)
