What do you do when you're “at the end of your rope?” As the old adage advises, you tie a knot and hang on!

“Hanging on” is a phrase we use to describe a kind of determination, persistence, and “bull-doggedness” that just doesn't give up. It's what we all need when we're “at the end of our rope” spiritually or emotionally. It's what we need when things are really tough and there's no relief in sight. It's the mindset that says, “It's hard right now, but I'm not quitting. Better days are coming!”

The key to enduring difficult and dismal times is hope. You can't hang on without it. Hope is that “something” inside that reaches forward with positive expectations, even when voices and circumstances are prophesying gloom and doom. It's an attitude that refuses to shut down on life, on relationships, on the possibilities of tomorrow.

The Bible tells us lots of things about hope. It's one of the “big three” attitudes God highlights as vital and that last forever:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love … — 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Notice that hope is sandwiched between faith and love. Our faith and love are held together by hope. This makes hope extremely important and valuable.

Have you lost hope, or is your hope rapidly fading? Hang on to it. Tie a knot called “hope” at the end of your rope and HANG ON! Better days are coming!

Here's a prayer for you today:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13 (NLT)

Pastor Dale

PS: Maybe you know someone who needs some encouragement today. Pass this message along to them, and let them know that you're praying for them. Your encouragement might be the very thing they need. It can be the spark that reignites their hope!

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