October 10

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. — Rom 5:5 BSB

Scripture speaks of “a good hope through grace” and calls it “an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast, which enters within the veil.” What a blessed grace it is that can enter into the very presence of Christ! Scripture also tells us that hope is a companion of faith and love (1 Cor. 13:13) and that it “does not disappoint,” because it springs from the love of God poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

We learn what “a good hope through grace” is by being tossed on the waves of despondency, almost sinking into despair. Our evidences of faith become dim, our hearts closed off, our minds confused, sin becomes overwhelming, and the Lord seems absent. Our carnal, idolatrous nature looms large, so it’s no wonder that in the face of such evils, the soul sometimes sinks into despair. But it’s in these seasons that the blessedness of “a good hope through grace” is revealed. When this anchor is cast into the veil, it takes hold of the blood and righteousness of our great High Priest, and it holds the soul firmly, preventing it from being swallowed up by the waves of despair.