Anchored In Hope - Dad as Disciple-Maker: Forming Faith, Hope, and Love at Home

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:18-20, NLT)

How many times have you heard someone say, “I hope I get a raise,” or “I hope I can go golfing more this summer,” or “I hope it rains,” or “I hope it doesn’t rain”? These kinds of statements are like rubbing a genie lamp and making a wish. What makes these wishes tricky is that they are based on things we want – but have no control over.

When I was in college, I did my own taxes. Life was simple back then – no full-time job, no kids, no investments – making my taxes usually straightforward. But even in the simplicity, I was always aware of my limitations. I’d double-check everything, hoping I didn’t make a mistake. And then I’d wait – nervously – for either a refund check or a letter from the IRS. I hoped my taxes were filed correctly. But only after that check arrived could I finally breathe a sigh of relief.

As the years went by, life grew more complex. Ministry, family, and finances complicated my taxes beyond my ability to handle on my own. Today, I turn my taxes over to a Certified Public Accountant. He takes my documents and ensures everything is done with precision. When I used to file on my own, my hope was more like a wish. I hope this is right. But now, my hope is secure – not because I’ve suddenly become an expert, but because I trust the one who is.

This is the kind of hope the writer of Hebrews is pointing us toward. Not a fragile, fingers-crossed kind of hope. Not wishful thinking. But a hope that is firm and secure – anchored in someone greater than ourselves. Our hope in Christ is not built on our efforts – it’s build on His finished work. Christ is our certain hope. A hope we can rest in.

In this passage, hope serves two purposes:

1. Hope gives us courage in the storm. The author of Hebrews uses an anchor to describe hope. Just as an anchored ship can withstand wind and waves, we too can stand firm in life’s storms. “We who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us” (vs. 18). Our confidence doesn’t come from how tightly we hold on – but from who we hold on to. Christ is our refuge. When we come to God for safety, he holds us. Our hope is not in perfect present circumstances, but in the promise of future glory.
2. Our hope is in the person and work of Christ. This anchor of our soul isn’t wishful thinking based on self-effort. It is rooted in the redemptive work of Christ. Christ came to us, lived the perfect life, died in our place, rose again, and now intercedes for us in heaven. Because of our sin, we can’t enter the presence of God on our own. But Christ, our advocate, goes before us, pleading to God on our behalf. We are anchored to him because he holds us securely in his hands.

Understanding this kind of hope encourages us as husbands and fathers to look to Christ. Because we live in a world full of sorrow, difficultly and loss, we need courage that is real and hope that is certain – or we’ll be tempted to give up. When you face storms in your life, your kids will see what you throw your anchor on. Scripture reminds us we don’t have to drift with the culture or drown in discouragement. We are held by hope that comes to us from a God who died for us.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the courage and the confidence I can have in you. A confidence that isn’t based on my goodness but rather anchored on your perfection. Help me to run to you and to guide my family to you when the storms of life hit. Thank you for being my high priest and perfect sacrifice – the anchor for my soul. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Dad Challenge:

1. Show Your Anchor. This week, share a moment from your life—past or present—when you faced a storm (grief, uncertainty, loss, or failure). Talk to your kids about what held you steady. Be honest about your struggles but make it clear where your hope was anchored. Don’t just say “God helped me”—explain how Christ’s unchanging character gave you courage and peace. Your vulnerability will give them a picture of faith that holds when life falls apart.
2. Replace one “I hope…” wish with a faith-filled action this week. If you usually say something like “I hope we get through this tough time,” follow it with “We will get through this tough time because Christ is faithful.” Model this shift for your kids. Help them see that Christian hope isn’t wishing on nothing—it’s trusting in Someone who holds everything.