An Anchor of the Soul
For a number of years, we lived by the ocean. Most every day we would walk over to the cliffs, above our beach, and just stare out to sea. It was so refreshing to take in the sea breeze, watch the surfers do their tricks and the fishing boats bobbing up and down. When the winds picked up and the waves became rough, the surfers headed for shore, but the fishermen kept their positions. What kept the boats from crashing on the rocks? It wasn’t their motors; it was their anchors.
Life is like the waves of the sea. There are ups and downs, calm and stormy days, and joy and tears. Some try to ride out the rough times with their pure grit and determination, only to find themselves, at times, turned upside down and succumbed by the force of the sea. Even when the waves seem manageable, there are those surges that take us by surprise. In this sea of life, we all need an anchor for our souls.
The writer to the Hebrews says that this anchor is hope. (Heb. 6:19) Many have defined hope as an expectation of good; like a carrot placed before a donkey. Hope does keep us on track and moving forward, but I believe it is more than just a future promise of eternal bliss. Hope is the foundation for our faith. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for…” (Heb. 11:1) It is like a rock to stand on. Whether there would be “waves of revival”, that spin our spiritual heads, or depths of despair and loneliness, hope is that designated driver that gets us home at night.
Hope is based on the immutableness of God. “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Heb. 10:23) God’s Word is unquestionable. God cannot lie. His Word is always right and true. In chapter 6, of the book of Hebrews, we see God making a promise and taking an oath. He has no need to do this to prove His character, for it is impossible for Him to lie. (v.18) He makes a promise and takes an oath to assure us that He would never change His mind. This hope is “sure” and “steadfast”, (v.19), and by holding onto it, without wavering, we will go within the veil, where Christ is. Hope brings us to Jesus.
Hope is the “why” of each believer. It is the “why” of adversity and it is the “why” of revival. Hope was the reason for the cross. “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2) There is purpose in life, and God’s purpose is unchangeable. (Heb. 6:17) Just as an anchor is not visible, when in the ocean, we may not understand all that is happening to us or around us, but we can be assured that God is on the throne and that all things will work together for our good and for His purpose.
Sound doctrine is also like an anchor of our soul. With all the “winds of doctrines” of men and of demons, (Eph. 4:14), that have shipwrecked those with no anchor, the writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to get back to the basics; back to the elementary teachings of Christ. (Heb. 6:1-2) Man has the tendency to go into extremes, when emphasizing a certain truth of Scriptures, and without our hope firmly secured in Christ, it is easy to get off the track. So, set your hope before you. Keep looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Hebrews 3:5-6; 6:17-20; 10:23; 11:1; 12:1-2; Psalms 39:7; 62:5; Zech. 9:12