Life can be wild. Does your life feel somewhat crazy right now? Or maybe you think everything is moving along just fine. Whatever your circumstance you will want to read on…
Sometimes we face storms that threaten to capsize our boats. Other times, it can feel like the current is pulling us off course to places we never intended to go. And many times we are blissfully enjoying peace and stillness, not realising the slow drift is taking us miles from where we thought we were.
Where are you at right now? Regardless of your situation, we know boats need anchors. They protect from catastrophe in furious storms, they resist the tug of the current and they hold firm against the slow drift of still waters.
Storms come and storms go.
Water ebbs and water flows.
All boats need anchors.
Our anchor is hope in Jesus
The Bible tells us that our anchor is hope. Hope in a God who keeps His promises, a God who never fails, a God who watches over us.
…it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:18-19 NIV
Hope keeps us steady in any situation
Anchors don’t calm storms or stop water from moving, but they hold vessels steady. Hope doesn’t take away difficulties but it keeps us still and secure in the midst of chaos.
We never need to be shaken because He holds us firmly.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalms 62:5-6 NIV
Dropping anchor
Not too long ago our family were waiting on a decision concerning one of our children’s future. The stakes were high, the outcome could change everything. There were several months of waiting. Others may fret in those circumstances, and for good reason, there are so many ‘what ifs’ riding on the decision. But it was out of our hands and I decided to drop anchor and put my hope in Him.
Dr Russ Harris uses the phrase ‘Dropping Anchor‘ in his Acceptance Commitment Therapy. This is such a powerful image of making the choice to put your anchor down and A C E (Acknowledge, Come back, Engage). This is so helpful, but I’ve discovered:
Only true hope, peace and rest comes when we drop anchor with Jesus.
We need to bring Him into the process and allow His truth to penetrate our hearts and minds. When we know what He says, we can be unshakable and stand on His promise.
As I chose to drop my anchor down, I turned to His Word, and he gave me a promise:
He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Proverbs 2:7-8
It didn’t matter what the decision would be. My anchor was firm. God was holding success in store for my child, He was their shield, He would guard them and protect their future.
My anchor was down. I was immoveable.
Not only did I have great peace in the waiting, but I was delighted when the decision came through and all my child’s dreams were met. Of course they were, my child has a Heavenly Daddy who longs to lavish great things on them even more than I do (and I think I want to do that a lot!).
How are you going?
Are you feeling tossed around in the storms of life? Are you watching yourself being pushed off course? Or are you taking a Que sera sera (whatever will be will be) approach and letting a slow drift happen?
You have authority in your ‘boat’.
Choose to drop your anchor. Choose to stand firmly on the promises of God knowing He cannot lie and He will do all that He has promised.
This is my prayer for you:
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.
Romans 15:13 NIV
When have you known Jesus as your anchor of hope? Or maybe you are in a storm, or find yourself drifting off course? Why don’t you reach out and ask Him for a promise in His Word for you. We would love you to share your journey in the comments below.
