In our last article/podcast, “Refuse To Refuse,” we talked about living with hope. Since hope is so critical, it’s worth a look at how God tethers you to hope. Actually, it’s challenging to be a Jesus follower in today’s world. Equally, to live without hope is tragic.
Let’s explore how God tethers you to hope – and exactly what a tether is.
What’s A Tether?
Have you ever told your child – or some other youngster – to really watch their stuff when they go somewhere? You know – backpack, purse, wallet, phone, keys, and some might add – snacks!
Basically, you try to inspire them to find a way to “tether” those valuables to their person.
So, what exactly is a tether?
As a noun, a tether is a rope or chain or I suppose some invisible thing – like an electronic fence to keep an animal from wandering off.
As a verb, a tether is the action of fastening something/someone to keep it/them safe. Equally, in today’s technological world, it’s the process of a smartphone or tablet connecting with another device nearby (like a laptop).
God Tethers You To Hope
FIRST: A Reason For Tethering
When we talk about God tethering you to hope, the motive is easy to identify. God wants to keep you close to Himself. Plus, He wants to keep you safe. Essentially, God’s love is the reason for the close connection. He cares so much for you.
Similarly, love is the best motive for “tying into” relationships with family and friends. Of course, there are other motives. But, many are not worthy. Too often, a person wants connection with another person because they are self-serving. That isn’t how God tethers. His motive is always love.
SECOND: The Process For Tethering
We often think of a rope, leash, or chain for the purpose of tethering. However, that’s not the strongest – or most effective – way to tie into someone. For best connection, use invisible qualities like –
- Common interests.
- Admiration.
- A desire to serve.
- The opportunity to learn from another person.
- To keep someone safe.
- Building into the development of another person.
- And so on.
Invisible ties are the strongest kinds of connectors. Why? Interestingly, these connectors are “of the heart.” Essentially, from your very soul or spirit. So, good tethering involves the innermost part of who you are. That is a very strong tether.
THIRD: Willing To Be Tethered
Tying someone into anything against their will usually backfires. Perhaps this is why God created “free will.” Equally, this is likely why He does not force people to choose Him. In fact, He rarely forces anything. He knows people do best when they engage strong tethers of the heart.
Perhaps a question to consider now is – am I willing to be connected permanently to God? Or am I fighting a connection with Him? The next question to ask in either case is – why?
You have to be willing to be tethered in order for it to be healthy, purposeful, and honorable.
A Look At Hope
Everyone longs for hope, even people who don’t believe in Jesus. Why is hope so important?
Scripture suggests there’s a hope that does not disappoint. Rom. 5:5 says, ” . . . hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts . . . ” There it is again – God’s love poured into your life.
You have hoped for things – and been disappointed. So have I. The experience of no hope is devastating. As life goes on, you learn to use disclaimers like –
- “Let’s hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” Or,
- “I hope so, but there’s no guarantee.”
This kind of hope is shaky and undependable. This is the hope that disappoints. Subsequently, it’s not the hope of Scripture.
Biblical hope is tenacious. Tenacious means –
- Stubborn.
- Obstinate.
- Firm.
- Resolute.
- Persistent.
That’s the kind of hope you need.
Rock-Solid Power
Hope that does not disappoint is rock-solid power. Guaranteed. No disclaimers needed. Incidentally, this hope is strongly connected to God’s purposes. In fact, it’s a tether that won’t break, tear, or snap. Why not? How can you be certain about this hope? Especially if you are suffering, holding-on, waiting.
Strong Threads Of God’s Love
Hope that tethers you to God has strong threads of God’s love interlaced throughout the cord. It literally weaves the person on the other end of hope directly into the fabric of God’s love. God’s love is –
- Powerful strength.
- A divine force.
- An uncompromising connection.
- A critical component that empowers hope.
God’s powerful love cannot be conquered. His love is the “fullness of hope.”
For all people, God’s great love has been poured out. Remarkably, if you have trusted Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life, it’s been poured into your heart. Incredible! The God of all hope literally lives inside you.
So, your hope does not – cannot – disappoint.
The Bible says, “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.” (Rom. 15:13)
God Is On The Other End
Why does God’s hope make a difference in your daily living? Because God is on the other end of it. Here are some ways God makes a difference with hope:
- Fist, His love transforms you.
- Also, it empowers and enables you to live a successful, healthy life.
- Further, your worth and value to God is unquestioned. You are precious to Him.
- While you and I were “nobodies” – correction – “evil-bodies,” Jesus died for us. It’s sobering to pick up hope, knowing Jesus died to provide it. Still, that’s the purpose. If you’re without hope, God wants to provide it.
- Finally, He pours His own life into your spirit as you follow Him.
God’s hope grows stronger in you as you continually receive it.
Then as you add thankfulness to God for giving His love, His hope becomes a tenacious cord that binds you to His heart. That’s another invisible thing.
Next, as you choose to rejoice in His great love, you find nothing can separate you from Him. (Rom. 8:38-39) You always have an incredible Companion. This is another invisible blessing.
Finally, as you share God’s love with others, you partner with God’s heart and His motive for the idea of “tethering.” Now, this becomes an invisible blessing to others.
Interestingly, there’s hardly a person alive who’d be willing to give up their life for you – even if you were perfect! Why? Because life is precious. It is not to be thrown away. Human life is precious to God. Subsequently, He made it His business to protect your life. How? He stepped in to offer His own life in your stead. So, when you were not good, Jesus gave up His (precious) life to save your (precious) life.
That’s love! That’s hope. It’s a strong tether. You will never understand this hope until you actually choose God’s love.
When a person experiences this love, belonging, and care from God, they discover God’s hope is tenacious. Plus, it’s kind. Subsequently, they choose to tether themselves to God. The result? An incredibly, invisible, strong bond. On top of that, God promises to secure your commitment to Him with His even stronger commitment to you. This is another invisible connection that lasts for eternity.
So, move closer to God’s great heart. That move is a “winning strategy” on the chess board of your life. Every time it’s your turn to move in some way, make sure it’s closer to Jesus.
God Is Dear! He Is Also Lord!
My granddaughter once said – “When we pray, we often start with ‘Dear Lord.’ I’ve been thinking about just how dear God is. And about how He is Lord! So, we should start our prayers with ‘Dear Lord’.”
I think she’s right.
Incidentally, that’s why God tethers you to hope. He is very dear. He is Lord. Remarkably, He pursues intimate connection with you. God wants to “do life” with you. He is your dearest Friend. Plus, He is your Lord. And most impressive – God is your hope!
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Have you tethered yourself to God? If not, what’s blocking you?
- Do you want to stay close to God in His love?
- Do you believe God’s hope does not disappoint?
- How do you express that God is “dear” to you each day?
* Portions of this content came from our book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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Day #3 Fun Activity uses Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story with a little reminder token in each egg. To get your set before Wednesday’s Fun Activity:
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Incidentally, it’s fun and simple to make your own set! Fill empty plastic eggs with little items to tell the Easter story. This picture shows items needed in each plastic egg. Kids of every age love this set.
With a little creativity, you can find/make items similar to these things:
- #1Egg-Donkey – Jesus rode into Jerusalem.
- #2Egg-Coins – Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver.
- #3Egg-Cup – The last supper of communion.
- #4Egg-Praying hands – Jesus’ agonizing prayer in Gethsemane.
- #5Egg-Whip – He was scourged severely.
- #6Egg-Rooster – “You’ll deny Me 3 times before the rooster crows.
- #7Egg-Crown of thorns – Put on Jesus’ head.
- #8Egg-Cross – He was nailed to a cross.
- #9Egg-Spear – His side was pierced after dying.
- #10Egg-Cloth – Jesus was wrapped in linen.
- #11Egg-Stone – A stone closed the tomb Jesus was laid in.
- #12Egg-Empty – He rose from the dead and isn’t there.
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