Throughout my Christian journey, I must say the moments where hope seemed to dim the most was when I became so over laden with guilt from my own failures. Though I understand and have understood throughout that my salvation was by grace alone; somehow, I felt that blessings were dependent upon my ability to perform this Christian walk perfectly. All the efforts in my own strength fell so far short and I seemed to fall deep within the same pits over and over again; thus, my hope for any blessings on earth would fall and in a pit of despair I would think the trials that came were a result of my failure, my sin and were so deserved. How could I hope for more? When blessings came, how much more in awe and wonder did I stand before God? How much more did I want to work harder to please Him? And how much more despairing did I feel in my failure? I rode that roller coaster of great high mountaintops of joy and deep dark valleys of despair much of my Christian journey. Then it happened, I came to the very end of myself and my efforts.
Artwork used by Permission “A Broken and Contrite Heart” by Ronald Barba
There I was with a spirit so broken and a heart contrite from the emptiness of my own hands, lying prostrate before God. There it was God reached down as He gently took my hand, lifted me up and said, “What sin, my Child? I don’t see any (as I suddenly realized He was looking at me through the blood of Christ),
Let us go—there is work to be done. Look around you—the field is ripe for harvest. I am your righteousness, I am your hope, I am your joy, I am your life, and I am your peace. Stop looking at yourself and look at me. I am the Author and the Finisher of your faith.” That was when I wrote the book, “A Broken and Contrite Heart"
Hebrews 6: “18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,”
I am learning still that whenever I see that which is around me through eyes and heart of despair, it is because I have taken my eyes off of the all sufficiency of Christ and have begun to once more look at myself. It is then that I must flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before me. A hope established and anchored upon the finished work of Christ, given unto me by grace alone.
Hebrews 10: “14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,20 “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
Since he no longer remembers my sins, my hope is based on God’s own veracity to keep His promises and covenant of love. God kept his promise to Abraham despite his sin which lead to Ishmael’s birth. This had been a sin due to Abraham’s failure for a time of faith. None of the human failures of God’s saints have been covered up in the Old Testament.
Does that give license to laziness or to sin in the work of the Kingdom? Quite the opposite, compelled by love, awe and gratitude my heart longs all the more to do that which will display His Glory to a world who needs Him.
So what have we seen about hope?
1. Our hope has a name which is Jesus.
2. Hope has a view of life that comes from understanding that God is in control and that “all things” work together to fulfill God’s plan of good for our lives. It is His good pleasure to transform all whom He has called into the likeness of Christ that we might truly understand and relish His love and His joy in our lives.
3. Hope is revealed in our lives in the form of peace, joy, acceptance, love, patience provided by the Holy Spirit even in the midst of suffering and sorrow.
4. Hope has an anchor held firm within the chief cornerstone—Christ holds my salvation forever and nothing can rip me out of His hands of Love—not even me.
5. Hope is Secured by Grace and Grace Alone
Where is your hope today? I would love to hear your stories of hope and pray for you in your moments of despair.
I want to share with you this song I wrote several years ago. The melody I hear in my head is slightly different than the finished song here; but, I alas cannot write the music part and had to rely on others. I hope you enjoy, When I First Came to Know Him.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Drawing used with written permission of Ronald Barba. © 2010 Ronald Barba and is protected under copyright laws. If you desire copies please go to:
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/broken-and-contrite-heart-ronald-barba.html
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception of my own book and song. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”