We Hold Fast to Hope Together
Daily Scripture
Hebrews 10:23-25
23 Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.
24 And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. 25 Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
The believers who received this letter were struggling, their faith wavering under social (and likely family) pressure. (We don’t know who wrote the letter—the writer didn’t give a name). The writer strongly urged them to “hold on” to their hope “without wavering (Greek aklinē from klinō, ‘to lean, to slope, or to be off balance’).” * It was important for them, as it often is for us, not to make the journey of faith and hope alone. We need to encourage and support one another in holding on to hope.
- At times, our world feels just as hostile to our hope as the Roman Empire did to the Hebrews. “There is reason to hold firm even though the circumstances of life appear to be laughing at us, even though things have become difficult…. The One who made the promise is faithful and will not let us down. He does not count time in the short segments by which we count; therefore, we should not let momentary discouragement cause us to turn away.” ** When has ridicule or opposition made your hope flicker? What helps you hold on without wavering?
- Hebrews urged Christians to meet together for a specific reason. “Encourage each other,” said verse 25. When have you found strength and courage for life through the encouragement you received from other Christians? In what ways have you worked to develop the holy habit of consistently having an encouraging, hopeful impact on others?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the people with whom I share this spiritual journey, those who encourage me when life seems to be laughing at me and I need help to hold on to my hope. Amen.
GPS Insights
Lydia Kim
Lydia Kim, who serves as a pastor of Connection and Care at Resurrection Leawood, wrote today's Insights. An avid believer that growing in faith pairs well with fellowship and food, she is always ready for recommendations on local restaurants and coffee shops.
When I completed graduate school in 2009, I struggled to find a job. The IMF crash in 2008 significantly impacted the job market for non-profits, and I found myself without work and wondering how I was going to pay back my student loans and survive in Los Angeles.
It took me nine months to find work in my field. During that time, I had three friends from graduate school who met with me weekly in between several part-time jobs. We prayed, cooked meals, cried, edited so many cover letters, and held on to hope together. I don’t think I would have made it through those months of uncertainty without those women in my life.
It wasn’t an easy time, but I will always be grateful that those women were Jesus to me when I was struggling to hold on to hope after so many rejection letters. I know that it isn’t easy to be vulnerable about our struggles, but the reward of having partners, stretcher-bearers, who can hold on to hope for us, is not only beautiful but powerful.
I encourage you to think about joining a small group or Bible study this fall if you don’t have people in your life to share your spiritual journey. I can tell you that my life is richer and more fulfilling because of the women who helped me through tough times. I pray that you, too, would find joy in encouraging others and receiving encouragement.
© 2025 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* Louis H. Evans, Jr., The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 33: Hebrews. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985, p. 183.
** Ibid.
