“. . . we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:18b-19a)
A sentence I recently read stopped me cold. The scene was a father listening to his upset daughter. The father asked his child, “Is what you are saying true, or is it how you are feeling?”
I pondered those words. I thought of the times I cry out to the Lord when I am in the midst of overwhelming challenges. I don’t doubt Him. I feel worn to a place where I doubt myself. How will I bear one more moment? I cry out because I feel all of my own strength is drained. I feel I am in the midst of a storm, needing comfort and peace.
I have confidence that I can share openly with the Lord. I don’t need to have fancy words or formal prayers. There is no pretense as I pour out my heart to Him. He knows I do not have it all together. He receives all the feelings: the frustrations, the disappointments, the doubts, the fears – everything. He longs for such intimacy, as do I.
Ultimately, when I seek God during such times, He leads me back to what is true. He is true. His promises are true. I may feel forsaken, but He will never forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:6) I may feel that my life has no purpose but He has a plan meant to prosper me with hope.(Jeremiah 29:11) I may feel weak and worn but He has promised to be my strength. (Philippians 4:13) I may feel fear but He has promised that He is my stronghold, a light in any darkness. (Psalm 27:1-2)
Feelings are a gift from God. When they overwhelm me, taking my focus off of Him, they need to be trumped by the truth. I need to adjust my concentration back to Him – my center and security.
Prayer: Lord, your faithfulness and unconditional love towards me fills me with awe and gratefulness. Never allow me to wander far from You and your truths. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She is a retired elementary classroom teacher. Lynn writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 28 years of living with daily physical challenges.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 
Hi Lynn,
It’s so good to see your thoughts expressed here again. How often our feelings seem overwhelming, but I love that they can be “trumped by truth”.
How wonderful that we have a Father God who we can share our fears and pain with, but come away in “awe and gratefulness”. I needed that reminder today.
Love,
Fiona
Lynn – that you so much for sharing these words. I certainly needed the encouragement you brought. Lovingly, deni
Great reminders. I never before noticed in this verse the part about, “we who have fled to take hold of the hope.” I typically thing of fleeing away from something bad, rather than fleeing toward something of grace. I have a word picture of hope in my head now as a strong tower or a mountain, as in, “I look toward the hills. Where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord!”
Thanks Fiona, deni and Jenni.
I love reading the comments that folks leave, not only on a writing of mine but on others’ as well.
It seems that the comments often give some extended insights as we all read with our eyes of experience.
š Lynn