Drop Anchor

Hebrews 6:13-20

Years ago my wife and I served for a year on the staff of a Church of Scotland congregation in East Kilbride, Scotland. It was as formative a year as I can imagine. One of the smaller blessings I received that year was an introduction to the hymn “Will Your Anchor Hold?” Though familiar to many, it was one that I had not been exposed to at that point.

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.

I can only assume that this hymn is based in part on our reading from Hebrews for today. “We have this hope,” it says, “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…” (Hebrews 6:19).

I don’t know much about seafaring, but I do know how vital an anchor can be, especially in stormy, turbulent waters. And the analogy to life is simple. Day to day we encounter storms and turbulence as well. Where we choose to make our stand can make the difference in whether we survive or find ourselves wrecked. The writer of Hebrews points to a hope that is trustworthy in such circumstances, a way to ride out the rough times. The hope is set on the promises of God which cannot prove false and which allow us to wait patiently for the day of fulfillment. We have this anchor available to us, this source of patience. It is our faith and hope in God who can not prove false and who wishes us to live as called people.

Prayer: God, when our hope is set on you we do not flounder. Help us to remain anchored to you and your will, that in even the roughest of life’s passages we may remain true in our convictions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.