347 of 365 - Hold Fast

 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
 
We are sold out for Jesus. We genuinely believe that He is the answer to everything. We believe He came, died, rose from the dead, and will come again to bring us all home. We believe He is good; that He sees us and loves us. But, right now…
 
Things are so stinking hard. There is still so much suffering. People are so difficult. We still don’t have that thing we have been faithfully working toward and praying over for years. Watching disease and death and depression envelop loved ones we are earnestly and steadfastly praying for is so painful. The liars, cheaters, persecutors seem to be thriving.
 
As a result, we become discouraged in the watching and waiting, and we tend to withdraw. But the withdrawing does far more harm than help. We need each other. Real-life each other too. In our withdrawn state we can scroll through social media to feel connected, but it is actually often pulling us further away. In fact, many studies have been published showing a link between time spent on social media and increased depression and loneliness.
 
The writer of Hebrews has something beautiful to say about what we should do instead…
 
Hold fast. Don’t let discouragement cause you to withdraw or wander. Stick to, and with, your people.  Don’t neglect time together. Stir one another up in love and good works. Set your eyes above and on others. It is an antidote to loneliness and discouragement. Encourage one another, and then encourage each other more. Remind yourself and each other of this truth: HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL!
 
Question: How do you find hope when you are discouraged and everything seems to be falling apart around you?