In Christ Alone My Hope Is Found:

He is my light, my strength, my song.

True hope is found in Christ alone. Now more than ever, people want to have hope, and in a world where it often seems elusive; it is wonderful to know that in Christ alone we can find confident hope. He is our light, our strength and our song.

This quote, from a much loved and highly inspirational song titled: In Christ Alone, is about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was written and copyrighted by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2001 (Kingsway Music, Thankyou Music).

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

Sometimes the cares of this world can leave me feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Lately, in addition to my morning quiet time, I’ve been looking up Bible verses on the subject of hope and I’ve written several of them down. I read them daily and God is giving me hope in Him.

True hope is anchored in Christ alone; not chance or positive thinking. I’m reminded of the lyrics from the hymn My Hope is Built on Nothing Less; written by Edward Mote:

“My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.”

Hope is often based on wishful thinking for the desired outcome of a future event or an optimistic expectation that things will go our way.

It’s good to have hope, but I often wonder and question on whom and what is ones’ hope based on? People may look to themselves, their government, spouse or any number of causes to find hope; all of which are subject to change and disappointment.

But our hope is not based on the uncertainty of temporal things, because Christians find hope in Christ alone. Jesus achieved and won the victory for us, through His blood shed on the cross for our sins and His triumph over death.

In addition, we have the very promises of God’s Word to us through Christ, therefore, we have confidence that what we anticipate will indeed happen. Hebrews 6:18-20 (NLT) says:

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. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

God has given Christians both His promise and His oath, so we can have great confidence and hope in Christ.

In fact, our hope in Christ is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, because Jesus entered into God’s inner sanctuary and has become our eternal High Priest! Therefore, we who have trusted Him as Lord and Savior can have great hope!

In Christ alone, our hope is found because we are:

• Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)

• Born again (John 3:3-8)

• Transformed (2 Corinthians 5:17)

• Reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18)

• Adopted (John 1:12)

• Saved (John 3:16-17)

• Empowered (Ephesians 3:16)

In Christ alone our hope is found, because He is our light. Have you ever tried finding your way in the dark? It can be dangerous to not see where you’re going. But, in Christ alone we have light and because of Him we are no longer in the dark.

John 12:46 says, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” (NLT)

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”  Isaiah 9:2 (NIV)

In Christ alone our hope is found, because He is our strength. If you’re feeling weak, turn to Christ. In our weaknesses, we can find strength in Him (2 Corinthians 12:9).

In addition, if you’re feeling downcast or discouraged, Christ is our song. Because of all He has done, He is worthy of praise. Turn to Him because, He will have you singing again!

• Isaiah 12:2 says, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (ESV)

• Psalm 40:3 says, “He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.” (NLT)

Have you found hope in Christ alone?

Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word!

If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song” | CLICK TO TWEET

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Easter = HOPE

• 10 Reasons Why the Resurrection Matters

• How to Age Gracefully in the Light of Jesus’ Resurrection

• How I Moved from Doubting My Salvation to Assurance

• What Caused Me to Doubt My Salvation

• Who Needs Jesus, I’m a Good Person

• Facing Death Fearlessly

• Five Questions for Those Who Think Many Roads Lead to Heaven

• Podcast: Will someone lose their salvation if they commit terrible sins?

• Podcast: Have I committed the unpardonable sin?

• How to Overcome the Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again

• Does salvation come only through faith in Christ? (Exclusivism)

• You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

Outside The Will Of God There Is Nothing I Want.

And in the will of God there is nothing I fear. -A. W. Tozer

Outside of the will of God there is nothing we should want and in the will of God there is nothing to fear. The will of God is perfect and therefore we can surrender to Him, knowing that He is a good Father; who always has our best interest in mind.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

I know the pain of living outside of the will of God. I have experienced the consequences of living independently from Him and there is nothing I want outside of the will of God. But, even though I want to live in the will of God, sometimes it’s easier said than done. That’s because there is a battle going on between my flesh and the Spirit.

For example, sometimes I have allowed people or things to become idols in my life and heart; and then I have to surrender them to Him, because He alone is worthy of my worship. This process can be very painful, but God helps me each time and I experience freedom.

The will of God is best, because He is perfect in understanding, wisdom and knowledge. There is no greater peace than to be in His will; even though it may include pain and suffering.  He uses suffering for good (Romans 8:28).

We are wise to want nothing outside of the will of God and to give our lives to Him. However, sometimes we want to take the path of least resistance and instant happiness. Although being outside of His will may offer short term gratification, ultimately sin causes pain.

God is in control and sovereign over everything. Therefore, we can trust Him to guide and provide for us.

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:10 NIV)

We should only want what God wants for us. Unfortunately, it’s part of our sin nature to want what’s outside of the will of God because we’re born sinful and we’ve been given free will. Think about the first words that a young child learns to speak, and they are usually “mine” and “no.”

Isaiah 53:6 says, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.” (NLT)

We desperately need a Savior and thankfully God gave His Son, Jesus Christ to save us from our sins (John 3:16). God wants us to surrender to His will and He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

In our sinful state, if it were not for His grace and mercy, we would never choose to come to Him as John 6:44 says, “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.” (NLT)

The will of God is better than anything we could want for ourselves. It is good, pleasing and perfect; and we gain by submitting to Him.

Living in submission and surrender to the will of God, means that we are responsible to know and obey His Word.

Ephesians 5:17-19 says, “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” (NLT)1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Whoever does what my Father in heaven wants is my brother and sister and mother.(Matthew 12:50 GW)

In the will of God there is nothing to fear. If we have trusted Christ as our personal Savior and Lord; we can be confident that He will always comfort and help us; as these Bible verses promise.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (NASB)Psalm 23:4 says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (NIV)Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

Do you seek the will of God for your life?

Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“Outside the will of God there is nothing I want. And in the will of God there is nothing I fear.” A. W. Tozer

CLICK TO TWEET

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• How to Know God’s Will in Difficult Decisions

• Who Needs a Vision Retreat?

• 4 Steps to Identify Core Values and Make the Best Decisions

• Quotecard We Make Our Decisions…Jesus Wants More Fans

• Have You Made a Contract with God?

• How to Balance Content and Discontent in the Christian Life

• What Does God Owe Me? How to be Successful in Life When You Have Failed

• How to Overcome the Agony of Discouragement and Find Hope Again

• What if God Eliminated all Suffering?

• My Classmate Bart Ehrman’s Hopeless Response to Suffering and Death

• 6 Solutions When You Suffer for Doing Good

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

The Lord Is Close To The Brokenhearted…

and saves the crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18

This verse reminds us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Even though it may not always feel like it, we have God’s promise that He is close to the brokenhearted and that He saves us when we are crushed in spirit.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net. 

I have been brokenhearted many times in life. I think of the tragic, sudden loss of my brother at age 29. Then 6 months later, how I was equally brokenhearted by the sad, but anticipated loss of my maternal grandmother at age of 87.

I know what it is to be crushed in spirit too; to feel the weight of despair and depression. I know about being humbled and having to ask God and others for forgiveness and help.

But, each time, God has been close and saved me. He hasn’t always changed the circumstances, but He’s given me new mercies each day of strength, hope and people to encourage me. He’s given me His Son, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. He’s given me His Holy Spirit to guide, empower and direct me. He’s given me His sure and Holy Word to stand on and promises to claim.

I’m sure the majority of us have been brokenhearted at one time or another and for various reasons. Whether from a betrayal or grief from a loss, being brokenhearted is part of being human. We live in a world where suffering occurs.

Sometimes, it feels like we are being held under the waves when we are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit.

Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (NIV)

Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. (Psalm 69:2 NLT)

God is close to the brokenhearted to help us when we feel like we are drowning.  We can trust Him to be a support for us.

• Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” (NLT)

• 2 Samuel 22:17-20 says, “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. 20 He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (NIV)

The same One who created the mighty breakers of the ocean, is the One who is close to the brokenhearted. 

The Bible reassures us that the Lord saves the crushed in spirit, because He will not reject us when we are broken or crushed.

Often times, it is when we are humbled that we recognize our need for God and acknowledge our dependence on Him.

Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” (NLT)

The High and Lofty One lives forever, and his name is holy. This is what he says: I live in a high and holy place. But I am with those who are crushed and humble. I will renew the spirit of those who are humble and the courage of those who are crushed.” (Isaiah 57:15 GW)

It is incredible that even though God is highly exalted, He is with us when we feel low and crushed. He has compassion for us in our humble state, not to demoralize, but to renew our spirits and give us courage.

God is so good!

How have you experienced God’s closeness when you are brokenhearted?

Has He saved you when you’re crushed in spirit?

Have you accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?

Please click here if you would like to do so now.

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 ESV) | CLICK TO TWEET

For more FREE Inspirational Quote Cards you can use and share click HERE

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• How to Handle the Death of a Loved One and Other Losses

• How NOT to Deal with the Death of a Loved One

• Four Steps to Climb Out of a Pit of Depression

• What if God Eliminated all Suffering?

• 7 Reasons Christianity Provides the Ultimate in Positive Thinking

• You Can Do It!

• 4 Characteristics in the Attitude of a Winner, Part 1

• 7 Biblical Christian Mantras I Find Helpful

• How Biblical Thought Replacement Creates Time and Energy

• How to Balance Content and Discontent in the Christian Life

• My Classmate Bart Ehrman’s Hopeless Response to Suffering and Death

• What Does God Owe Me? How to be Successful in Life When You Have Failed

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth