Our Anchor Holds

I enjoy watching the waves wash up on the shore or slam against the rocks at the beach. In fact, it’s one of my greatest pleasures. Since childhood I’ve enjoyed the feel of sand between my toes, paddling in ankle-deep foaming water, and drinking in the smell of the seaside. It intoxicates my senses and I find myself being as happy as can be. I must admit, though, that I prefer to enjoy the sea from the safety of the shore. Those same waves that I enjoy at ankle depth have the power to drag me out to sea and throw me against the rocks. They’re much stronger than I am, and because of that I rarely paddle outside my depth.

Sometimes life can be like a storm at the seaside, with wave after wave crashing down upon us and threatening to take us out to sea. Those moments can be very frightening, but thank God that He doesn’t leave us to fend on our own. Just like He reached out and grabbed the arm of Peter, so He reaches out to grab us. That doesn’t mean that we don’t get wet or are shielded completely from the fierceness of the storm. We do get wet and the winds will ruffle us. But what it does mean is that we won’t drown. Ray Bolts sings a song that’s brought great comfort to me in the midst of the storms of life. Actually I’ve played it several times already this year as I’ve felt overwhelmed by circumstances and the heartache of others close to me. Allow God to minister to your heart through these words.

‘The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm.’
Songwriters: Chewning, Lawrence / Bolts, Ray

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your promise that You will never leave us to face the storms of life on our own. Your faithfulness is an anchor that will hold us fast. We praise Your name. Amen.