Daily Devotionals
My Hope in Christ Alone
Posted in Disappointment
Scripture: “He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared. Then the One who sits on the throne said, ‘And now I make all things new!’” Rev. 21:4-5
About two years ago, I wrote a devotion about my dear friend from childhood, Michelle, whose joy for the Lord was contagious despite her sickness. At age 37, this precious, Jesus-loving wife and mother of two was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. Her steadfast faith and hope throughout her year-long fight was an amazing testimony. A devotion this week by a fellow church member talked about the power of music. Driving to work this morning, I was reminded of this as my boys and I listened to “In Christ Alone”* by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. This song was the closing hymn at Michelle’s funeral January 2018:
“In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.”
When I hear this song, I think of Michelle’s story and the many lessons it has taught me, especially how to live with an eternal perspective. Cancer, sickness, brokenness, and disappointment are part of this earthly life. How grateful I am to know that this is not all there is to life! My hope is in Christ, and I feel His comfort in my daily struggles. When “He returns or calls me home,” I look forward to worshiping our Savior for eternity with Michelle, my Dad, and other loved ones who have gone before me.
Prayer: Lord, this earthly life is filled with struggle and disappointment. Help me to remember today that you have won the battle and, in your timing, there is a place for me in heaven! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Submitted by: Julie Moss
*Getty, Steve and Chris Townend, “In Christ Alone,” 2001.