Most of us are familiar with the comment, “When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.” However, you may not be aware that this quote (or something very similar) has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Whoever the original author may be, the tone of desperation does not have to be the motto for Christ followers!

Recently, my husband observed our granddaughter’s preschool group preparing for their walk from chapel service to class. Each child held to a loop on a special rope between two teachers. This was a great way to assure everyone stayed together and arrived safely.

Perhaps, this imagery is an oversimplification of the promised Holy Spirit’s guidance in the believer’s life. However, imagine the difference we would make if rather than tying a knot in the end of our ropes, we lived with such a contagious joy and trust in the sovereign Lord of the universe that others would want to grab a loop on the rope of hope and join us on our journey.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth . . .” (John 16:13).