But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. – (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)
But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. But answer them in a gentle way with respect. – (1 Peter 3:15, ERV)
Exalt Him as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. – (1 Peter 3:15, VOICE)
If we revere, exalt, and keep holy Christ in our hearts, then we cannot help but have an answer for the hope we hold. When asked, we ought to be ready to answer why we have such hope. However, it is important that we do so humbly and respectfully, as our own experience speaks the loudest and is irrefutable. In my own life, I have seen and experienced the faithfulness of God so many times that there is no denying His existence or His love for me. Yes, there have been challenges, trials, and heartache, but each time, God has faithfully met me and provided His strength and love to carry me through when I could not walk on my own. He meets us both in our lack and our plenty, and He shows us His goodness, grace, and peace. May we ever seek the Lord and give Him praise, and trust Him to supply the words that clearly explain the hope we hold forever in Him.
Lord, You are our hope,
throughout all our days;
blessed assurance,
for now and always.
Our calm through the storms,
that life brings our way;
comfort in chaos,
strength that’s new each day.
True joy in sorrow,
hope when in despair;
faithful sweet presence,
that shows us He cares.
All things that are good,
sweet blessings from Him;
glimpses of heaven,
that let His light in.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we know hope and help, joy and peace, and Your sweet presence that promises that all in the here and now is temporary, but our future with You is eternal. Thank You that You show us again and again that hope in You is what lasts. Forgive us for the times that we have lost sight of an eternal perspective when the present presses beyond what we can navigate on our own. Continue to teach us over and over that You are good, faithful and true. Show us how to love those around us in ways that make our hope in You evident and obtainable. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You anew each day, and remind us again of how to share the hope we know with all who are longing to hear. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:5