#135 SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR 9-14-26
Life often demands more of us than we seem able to give. And that’s when we need extra assistance. We can become discouraged, weary, tempted, and sometimes uncertain about tomorrow. But God has not left us without what we need. The Gospel gives us hope for tomorrow, help for today, and holiness for the journey. In Christ, we have something to look forward to, Someone to lean upon, and a life to live.
HOPE—LOOK UP. “Hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). Biblical hope is grounded in reality and has nothing to do with wishful thinking. It is confidence in the promises of God. We “rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2), because our hope rests upon Someone greater than our circumstances. Christ in us is “the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), and that hope is “an anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19). The world may change. Circumstances may change. People may change. But Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). So look up. Your future is not determined by what you can see today. God is still working, Christ is still reigning, and the promises of God are still true.
HELP—LEAN IN. God never intended for us to walk this road in our own strength. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). When we don’t know what to do, “My help comes from the LORD” (Psalm 121:2). When we are afraid, He says, “Fear not; for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). When we are weak, His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can come boldly to the throne of grace, “that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). You don’t have to pretend you are strong enough. You don’t have to carry every burden yourself. “Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Lean in. God is not merely watching you struggle; He is your present help.
HOLINESS— LIVE OUT. God says, “Be holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is not an attempt to earn God’s love. It is the response of a heart that has already received His grace. Because Christ has redeemed us, we present ourselves to God as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1). We cleanse ourselves from “all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). We are called to “follow peace with all men, and holiness” (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness means allowing Jesus to shape our thoughts, our words, our choices, our relationships, and our desires. We are called out of darkness so that we might “show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
These three belong together. Hope changes how we face tomorrow. Help changes how we handle today. Holiness changes how we live every day. Our hope is in Christ. Our help comes from Christ. Our holiness flows from Christ. We don’t pursue holiness because we are trying to make God love us; we pursue holiness because He loved us enough to give His Son for us. “We love Him, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
So when you’re discouraged, hope. Look beyond the present circumstances to the promises of God. When you’re overwhelmed, ask for help. Stop carrying what God has invited you to cast upon Him. When you’re tempted, choose holiness. Remember who you are, remember whose you are, and remember the One who lives within you.
Keep looking up. Keep leaning in. Keep living out your faith. And above everything else, keep your eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He is our Hope, our Help, and our Holiness.
BDD
