The Tribune

By CARLOS SPENCER

Most of us would be familiar with an anchor which is typically used to moor a vessel to the bottom of the sea. For believers there can be no greater experience than being secured, fastened and anchored in Christ. We might face various difficulties in life, but we are not fearful because we have an anchor.

The writer of Hebrews tells us in Hebrews 6:19 (KJV): “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.”

Our Hope and faith in Jesus Christ is firm and well founded in the hope of eternal life. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) assures us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

We are so well anchored in Christ that irrespective of life’s twists and turns, we confidently focus on our relationship with God and quietly face life’s storms. Our quiet assurance is a blessed assurance and it is ever so real.

Luke gives us a glimpse of the importance of the anchor in Acts 27:29. He wrote: “Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.”

After casting four anchors into the sea, the sailors prayed and waited for daylight. The role of an anchor cannot be ignored or toned down. It is extremely significant and symbolic in our relationship with Christ. If one’s life (and faith) is truly anchored in Jesus Christ one is walking in the light and divine favour. God’s grace is always present. Just like a good shepherd, Christ will protect His flock. David wrote in Psalm 39: 7 (KJV): “And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.”

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:13 (KJV): “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Hope is ubiquitous and pervasive among believers because such persons are anchored in Christ and are aware of the awesome power and strength of the Holy Spirit. First Peter 3:15 (KJV) tells us: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

We are anchored in Christ so this becomes a relatively straightforward exercise. Certainly not a difficult task or chore for a believer.

We should try to remember that our relationship and interaction with God through Jesus Christ is fundamentally based upon His love for us. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV): “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Amen. Thanks be to God for the sharing of His Word.