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We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever…
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
An anchor has become my symbol of choice since my husband Mark passed away. I put this very verse on his gravestone and look for it for decorating purposes on Pinterest. Between tattoos, wall decorations, and even clothing, anchors are everywhere.
I wonder why the writer of this passage used an “anchor”? I don’t particularly like anchors because they are only needed during storms or in harbors. I prefer “still waters” and “green pastures” (Psalm 23) but I have learned from my half-century of living on this earth that storms hit. And maybe the author was thinking that NO ONE is exempt from life’s storms.
No one.
We are like ships, sailing through the waters of life. Our eternal souls are on board this ship as we sail to our final harbor (heaven). Our ship will encounter temptations, evil, stress, and trials. But our anchor, composed of our faith in Christ and His death, resurrection, and life is just the right size for our ships–it is strong enough for our complete dependence.
Unlike an earthly anchor, this one fixes itself on a Rock- the Rock of Ages.
My “anchor” can drift to less secure things than Jesus Christ. I find myself depending on the security of my income or the security of a new spouse or the security of my family. Do these things hold securely like an anchor? No, they fail me often. If my “anchor” is my husband and he passes away, what happens to my ship? If my “anchor” is my income, what happens when that is lost?
I have lost both of those anchors in the last few years, and it really shook my vessel. I threw over different sized “anchors” but nothing held. The storms of life rocked my ship. But when I finally said, “God, Your will not mine,” I finally gained the peace for which I was searching.
The storms didn’t cease, the anchor just held me securely during the storms.
Often friends and family will send me notices when they see something related to Hebrews 6:19 or with anchors. Recently my mother found a daily devotional based on anchors. The verse referenced was 1 Peter 1:6-7. Here’s what the verses say in the Living Bible.
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.
My ship will be hit by storms meant to test my anchor.
Will my anchor hold?
Songs always help me remember some of the spiritual lessons God tries to teach me. I found these songs about anchors you might enjoy listening to.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Anchor that holds. Thank You for knowing our storms and being with us in the storms of life. Your protection brings such peace. Help us turn to You for our anchor. Amen
