Adapted from Peace in the Storms of Life by Julie Rayburn.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
—Psalm 42:5–6
Linda and her husband, Jim, had been married for thirty years. Jim was a successful financial advisor and Linda had devoted herself to homeschooling their children. Life appeared to be perfect—until it wasn’t. Within a matter of months, the financial markets took a nosedive, cutting their personal income in half. Stress and anxiety permeated their home. Their oldest son flunked out of college. Then Linda’s mother passed away unexpectedly. Linda and Jim felt hopeless and lost. What had happened to the life they once knew? Would their future ever be bright again?
We can place our hope in many things: financial security, health, family. But when we trust in these earthly treasures, our hope becomes transient and illusive. Hope in temporal things can fluctuate as those anchors shift. The financial markets go up and down. Our health can suddenly fail. Family dynamics can change. When our hope is in Jesus, we have a sure foundation. Nothing can permanently shake us because Jesus is the anchor that never moves. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
There is hope—and His name is Jesus! He doesn’t guarantee financial prosperity or optimal health. Having Jesus doesn’t mean that your children will never struggle. But it does mean that your hope in Jesus will withstand any trial, hardship, or tragedy. Because Jesus is with you in the storms of life, you will come through. Your future is secure with Him. Isn’t that what hope is? A better tomorrow? Victory? Good triumphing over evil? Put your hope in the Lord Jesus. He will prove Himself faithful, and you will praise Him yet again!
What is your hope based on? Has your world ever been shaken? What happened, and how did you handle it? Place your hope in Jesus today so that you will be prepared for adversity tomorrow.