“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him” (Psalm 42:11).
The Lord enlarges hope within the soul, as one who increases the size of the anchor while also strengthening the ship. When He causes hope to grow, He also expands our capacity to endure, to trust, and to move forward. As the vessel becomes larger, the weight it carries also increases—but everything grows in perfect proportion. Thus, hope becomes more firmly anchored beyond the veil, entering more deeply into the presence of God and holding securely to His eternal promises.
True hope does not float aimlessly; it anchors itself in faithfulness and allows the soul to cast the anchor deeper, holding fast to the unchanging love of the Creator and the steadfastness of His purposes. When we walk in His commandments, hope ceases to be fragile and transforms into a serene conviction, able to withstand any storm.
There are moments when this hope expands so greatly that it almost reaches full assurance. The clouds dissipate, the distance between the soul and God seems to vanish, and the heart rests in peace. Those who seek to live in obedience to God’s mighty Law experience these foretastes of eternal rest and move forward with confidence, knowing they will be safely led to the harbor prepared by the Father. Adapted from J.C. Philpot. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Beloved Father, I thank You because You strengthen my hope and teach me to trust more deeply in You. May my soul learn to rest in Your faithfulness.
My God, help me to live in constant obedience, so that my hope may be well anchored in Your will. May I never rely on fleeting feelings, but on what You have established.
Oh, beloved Lord, I thank You for increasing my hope and leading me safely. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law is the firm anchor of my soul. Your commandments are the secure bond that keeps me connected to the eternal, unchanging, and faithful God. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
