Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hope is the anchor for the distressed soul. An anchor is the metal device attached to a ship or boat by a cable or chain and lowered to the seabed to hold the vessel in a particular place. The pointed projection of the anchor digs into the sea bottom and secures the vessel in place during a storm and strong winds. The anchor is built into every vessel and is also lowered when there is a looming hazardous gust of wind or squall. Alternately anchors are used to slow the ship while berthing the vessel alongside the jetty.
Hope is metaphorically described as ‘an anchor’ to the disheartened soul. It is our hope in the Lord that anchors our faith when we are attacked by the issues of life. Hope must be anchored to protect us from the baffling doubts and fierce discouragement. Hope brings calmness and stillness to the soul in a crushing circumstance. When the Israelites were hemmed between the Red Sea on one side and Pharaoh and his army on the other side, the Lord asked them to lower their anchor of hope and stand firm. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today” (Exodus 14:13). Hope will hold us firm and fervid when the calm turns into a storm. Hope will fasten us to the promises of God when the problems swell out of proportion. When faith is strangled by struggles, oxidize hope and invigorate faith.
Hope is the anchor that holds our soul together:
1. Fasten: The pointy projection at the end of the anchor digs into the bottom of the sea sediments. The sturdiness of the ship will depend on how well the ship is anchored. Likewise, what we dig ourselves into will determine the strength of our hope. If we delve into BBC, economic news and social media, our anchor will be on loose grounds and we would be easily dragged towards the wind or the current. Fasten yourself to the Word of God. When disturbed by qualm or evil forebodings, repeat the promises until the fear disappears.
2. Firm: The strength of our faith is dependent on the firm anchor of hope. “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” (Philippians 4:1). If we fear danger lurking at every blind spot and deliberate the probabilities of defeat our anchor is weak. Faith is not waiting for God to do what we want but trusting that God is in absolute control.
3. Fervid: The secret of safety is in the bedrock at the bottom of the sea that is holding the vessel. Our hope must not be anchored to our employment, investment or government, but in the authenticity of our God’s faithfulness. Let us fervidly anchor our hope to God’s Word.
Hope is the anchor that secures us in the safe haven of God’s protection.
Psalm 62:5 O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
Prayer: Father God, help my hope to be fastened firmly on you and you alone. Amen.
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