Hebrews 10: 24-25 Devotion
Published Jan 9, 2024
By Renee Lull
“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur up one another to love and good works, not giving up meeting together, as the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 23-25
Happy New Year! Honestly, sometimes I have mixed feelings about each new year. I am excited when I think of all the possibilities and memories that are going to be made. Yet, as I grow older, I realize most years bring pain, sadness and stress. So as I reflect on 2024, I am reminded of a trip my husband and I took. We traveled to Arches National Park. We picked this destination because I wanted to see the Delicate Arch. I was thrilled when we booked the trip. When the day arrived that we were going to make the hike to see the Arch, I was quite excited. Like most National Parks the trail was rocky and remote. We set off early because it was cooler. Not far into the three mile hike, I noticed that my heart was beating quite loud and I was finding it a bit hard to breathe. I tried to be mentally tough and ignore the way my body was feeling. Many people began passing us on the trail. Some individuals were actually jogging up the trail. I became quite discouraged and was thinking of giving up and turning back. Finally I told my husband I needed to rest. I found a rock to sit on off to the side and drank some water. While sitting, two other travelers stopped and sat. We both laughed as we commented on how we were feeling. They too were feeling discouraged. We encouraged each other to keep going. After a short rest, my husband and I began walking again. When I spotted another rock along the way, I decided to stop and sit. Soon, the travelers that we met earlier also stopped. They said they were glad we stopped because they wanted to but were feeling silly stopping. I realized my weakness was actually encouraging them! As we sat, we shared stories and realized they too long to see the Delicate Arch and it was on their “bucket list” as well. This pattern continued as we made the long, slow journey. Rest, talk, regroup and hike. I no longer noticed the people passing us. My eyes were focused on the path and finding a resting place to encourage our new traveling friends. I now had rocks in my shoes, my lips felt chapped and my legs were sore. Sweat was dripping down my back. We kept walking, climbing, resting and spurring one another on to make it to the next resting spot. Finally we approached the top, the Delicate Arch stood before us with all is majesty. It was breathtaking. I felt very small in the presence of this landmark. My eyes began to water. I looked to my left and there sat our two traveling companions. We didn’t say anything. We didn’t need to. The four of us were beholding this magnificent sight and knew we made it because we rested, encouraged and spurred one another to keep going. Why does the new year remind of this story? As I ponder the year and become anxious of what may lay ahead and the Lord has reminded me “to hold fast the confession of our hope”. The ultimate “bucket list” item is being in the presence of the Lord! The Lord is faithful. He doesn’t desire for me to go through this year or any year alone. I am to seek out others. I am to sit with them. I am called to encourage them not to give up the hope we profess. Our time with each other should spur us on as we await his glorious return. When we will behold our Savior, Lord and God. So as I reflect and set goals for 2024, I have been reminded to pray for opportunities to carry one another burdens (Galatians 6:2), seek a neighbor to love (Matthew 12:30-31) and declare the hope we have in Christ (Psalm 62) so that we may spur one another to the glorious day Jesus Christ is revealed.
