Tethered by Hope

Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:18

This verse in Hebrews really stuck out to me today, partially because of its connection with Hebrews 2:1 which exhorts us to hold to the truth as a tether. The picture of a boat tethered to shore by not one, but two or more strong ropes came to mind.  If Truth is a tether that keeps us from drifting into the murky waters of self-revelation, then Hope is a tether that keeps us from drifting into the swirling abyss of self-pity.

I have hoped for a lot of things over the past few years–some of which have come to pass and others which have not. Joel and I desperately hoped he would not be sentenced to prison time for his crime. When he was sentenced, I hoped he would be placed in the closest facility where visits could be routine. I hoped he might get a sentence reduction. I hoped we could still live in our house when he was released. I hoped I would find a publisher and get my book published. I hoped Joel and I would not grow apart during our time of separation. The list of hopes goes on and on. I have hoped for good things. For positive things. I have hoped for impact. And when my hopes have been dashed, my heart has been understandably sick. Hopes that have been realized have been causes for great rejoicing and praise.

However what has tethered my heart has not been a hope in any one outcome for Joel or our family. What tethers me is my hope in Christ. The roiling waters of self-pity are a constant threat. My hopes for good things here on earth are not enough to keep me from drifting into the powerful current. Col. 1:27 reminds us that Christ in us is our “Hope of glory.” I have fled to Christ for refuge so many times and each time I find a secure hope, one I can hold to no matter what dreams are dashed on the rocky shoreline of life.


5 Responses to "Tethered by Hope"

  • OH YES what hope we have in Jesus. Our hope of future glory.. andthe one who is our Future glory.. to we can run to in times when our hopes and expectations are dashed here on earth!! Soooo true! Thanks for sharing. And we are rejoicing with you on the news of Joel’s early release to Mke!! Wow, that brings tears to my eyes!! And what a parallel to our going to be with Jesus!!! You will be finally reunited with your earthly husband.. which will make all that you went thru during this time worth the wait.. And so it is with our earthly trials. They remind us that we are waiting for the best to come, and that we are not made for this world, but for the next!! Thanking God for all the “praises to HIS glory” that are being stored up because of the testings by fire that you as a family have gone thru.. all to cause your lives to shine even brighter as purified silver and gold. God has certainly seen your faith, and that is such a wonderful pleasing thing in HIS sight, and your will cause many others to also bring more praise to God because of your lives and testimonies thru the hard road you have taken. Love you guys, A. Teresa

    1 Teresa Dyck said this (March 15, 2012 at 9:42 pm) Reply


  • Amen Tabitha! We are privileged with a Redeemer who never tires of our need! He is our refuge at ALL times, the protector of our souls when we crash upon the rocky shore of life! Always and forever! Thank you for this precious reminder.

    2 Jessica said this (March 16, 2012 at 8:28 am) Reply


  • It’s so easy to fix our hopes on the things we wish for, and we get so disappointed. Thanks for affirming that it’s good and natural to hope for good things (and praise God when we get them!), but that it’s the secure hope in Christ that sustains us. I love the tether illustration. Without it we’d drown in self-pity.

    3 Janet Sketchley said this (March 16, 2012 at 11:23 am) Reply


    • Thanks, Janet. My hope in God has grown so much recently, as He has reminded me again and again that He is good and He is faithful. I just checked out your blog and see that you are a fellow writer. Enjoyed wandering around your blog a bit and getting to know you a little.

      4 Tabitha Joy said this (March 16, 2012 at 7:28 pm) Reply


      • Tabitha, I see we like some of the same authors too… Mark Buchanan and Ann Voskamp. Love your blog title…. Joy in the Mourning fits what you’re going through and tethers to God’s promise. I’m glad I found your blog, and I’ll be back.

        5 Janet Sketchley said this (March 17, 2012 at 10:26 am) Reply


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