Let Your Weary Heart Rejoice

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by Rev. Dori Halbert

Political struggle, relational pain, and uncertainty over what the future holds creates a constant need for hope. Though it may feel like hope is merely a distant wish that we will somehow survive the storm, 1 Peter 1:3 tells us that we have been born again to a “living hope.” Jesus gave his life to end the bondage of our sin and brokenness, and his resurrection gives us hope that our current circumstances will be transformed—in him, our future takes on new meaning! No matter the struggle, our hope is a living one based on a relationship with a loving God that enables us to endure.

Through the lens of hope, we trust God will hear and respond to our cries. When we express lament, sorrow, and even regret over a relationship that is fractured, a medical prognosis that looks grim, or a future that is in question, hope strengthens and sustains us. Even when things seem impossible, we look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear that comes from the pain of death and suffering.1 Hope is more than just a state of mind or longing for a different future; it is an action-oriented character strength or virtue. Research tells us that raising one’s level of hope is the single best predictor of well-being in people. This idea completely supports what scripture has already revealed— that hope leads us toward strength. Consider the words of Paul to the church of Rome: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confi dent hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:3-5 NLT).

Consider the Hebrew word for hope as an illustration of this Biblical truth. Hope (Tikvah)2 has a double meaning. It often means expectation, but it also means cord or rope. So, hope is literally a rope we can hang onto when everything around us is falling apart. In the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho, the spies encounter Rahab, who protects them from harm and then asks them to protect her family when Israel marches against the city. She is in a place of hopelessness.

The spies respond to Rahab’s request by saying, “We will be bound by the oath we have taken only if you follow these instructions. When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members—your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives— must be here inside the house” (Joshua 2:17-18). The spies keep their word and spared Rahab and her family. The scarlet cord, or Tikvah, was Rahab’s lifeline. She and her family clung to the “hope” of salvation and as a result, were not only saved physically, but she becomes a part or the lineage of Jesus, the Savior of the world. She found hope in a rope!3

As Christ followers celebrate the resurrection this year, perhaps, like me, you sense the need to increase your level of hope. Not only does Easter give us an eternal hope, we know that because Jesus conquered death, we can learn to celebrate, even in the midst of our struggle. You might feel like you’re at the end of your rope, but even so, that very rope is a reminder that God is for you and will restore you. Let your weary heart rejoice!

Dori Halbert DTL, LCPC Director of Refuge Counseling and Wellness Center

1Neff , M.A. & McMinn, M.R. (2020. Embodying integration: A fresh look at christianity in the therapy room. Downers Grove Illinois: IVP Academic. 2Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Hebrew (Old Testament) 3Halbert, D.L. Th e offi ce with two doors: A resource for faith-based counselors and churches focused on holistic healing. (2020).