A Steady Anchor

Experiencing the stability and safety Christ offers

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain” (Hebrews 6:19 ESV).

I stood at the edge of the pier, watching a hat lost to a gust of wind being tossed around by the relentless waves and becoming entangled with the seaweed. Most days, I feel similar—drifting aimlessly as I’m carried by waves of distractions, drowning in stress and overwhelm, and feeling lost at sea as I fumble my way through life. Letting the waves dictate my peace, joy, and contentment creates an exhausting life.

In our earthly tent, life can be challenging and bossy. It’s easy to get swept away in the busy and fast-moving world. We lose sight of purpose, meaning, and, as much as it hurts to say, God Himself. Our hearts are weary wanderers, easily swayed to earthly motivations, people pleasing, sin, and false doctrines. We thrash around, fighting for control against the drowning waves. We reach for the false securities of the world to make us feel secure and in control. Thankfully, God knows this about us. In His loving way, He provides us with an anchor for our souls to keep us stable and secure amid the enemy, the world, and our fleshly desires.

Hebrews 6:19 uses the anchor metaphor to emphasise the stability and safety we have in Christ. The anchor helps the boat hold its position and keeps it steady against the waves and wind. The anchor also provides a safety mechanism that prevents the boat from drifting into danger in case the engine fails. Jesus does the same for us! He not only helps us hold our position against earthly troubles but He secures our future in Heaven. And when we fail, time and time again, He is there to keep us from drifting into danger.

The Greek word for ‘anchor’, agkura, reflects the anchor of hope and faith as the main stabilising forces of a Christian life. When life leaves us feeling wind-tossed and alone, drifting aimlessly through life, may we remember Jesus is our Anchor. When we feel washed over by waves or are rolling through life, let’s anchor ourselves in Him by turning our gaze to Jesus and reading His Word.