ANCHOR:
- a device usually of metal attached to a ship or boat by a cable and cast overboard to hold it in a particular place by means of a fluke that digs into the bottom
- something that serves to hold an object firmly
"...we, who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope - like a sure and firm anchor of the soul - that enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain..." Hebrews 6:18b-19
"Therefore, brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He has inaugurated for us, through the curtain (that is, His flesh); and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10: 19-23
I love the imagery that God gives us throughout the pages of Scripture. There is something about having a visual, either before my eyes or at least in my head, that helps cement the truth that is being taught: cattle on the hills, sheep, a spark, storms, sand, a house, and, in this case, an anchor.
In Hebrews we see this beautiful picture of our souls being like boats. And the only way to have our souls stabilized, to have our souls kept from drifting and wandering off course is to have them attached to the anchor of hope. And, of course, true hope does not disappoint us because it is deeply lodged into the seabed of God's love expressed through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).
Yet, how often do I find myself disappointed? What about the times I feel my emotions rise and my soul feels anything but stable? Or the moments when joy seems illusive. What then?
I must recognize that my heart is an idol-making factory that often seeks to put it's hope in what is seen instead of what is unseen, what is temporary instead of what is eternal, what will never satisfy instead of the Bread of Life. It is impossible for those things to lodge my soul into the seabed of God. Their chains are too short and their anchors are too light, leaving my soul disappointed, dissatisfied and dejected.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation." Psalm 42:5
Hope in God. That is our anchor. Hope in God....the One who:
-spoke the world into existence and breathed life into our dead hearts
-did not spare His own Son but gave Him up so that we might be declared righteous
-has given us access to come before His throne day and night through the blood of Jesus
-promises that nothing can separate us from His love
-will bring us home to Heaven to be with Him forever
And if that small glimpse of our great God doesn't already have you dancing around the house, rejoicing and praising at the top of your lungs, here is another reality that will help get you off your feet and fill your eyes with tears of thanksgiving: Ultimately, hope does not disappoint and our anchor is firm because we are held by God, in Christ. Nothing and no one can ever take us out of the Father's hands (John 8:29). We are secure, not because of anything we have done but because of the mercy and grace lavished upon us. Our souls can rest secure in deep, abiding hope, through any and every storm because Christ will hold us fast!
He Will Hold Me Fast
“When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast
Chorus:
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast
Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast
CHORUS
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
CHORUS”
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