Hope is an anchor. According to Hebrews 6:19, “This hope (in God’s promises) is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”
What is an anchor and what does it do?
An anchor is a device, normally made of metal, used to connect a vessel (such as a boat) to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current.
In the anchor analogy, we are the boat. Our hope serves as an anchor. There is a chain attached to the boat and to the anchor itself, which will then fasten to the bed of the body of water. In this way, we see that a tethering must take place.
In order for the anchor (hope) to be effective at keeping the boat (us) from drifting, it must adhere to a solid foundation below the surface.
Our foundation is ROCK solid when we place our hope and faith upon the rock of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 7:24-27)
But oh, how the winds and waves of doubt, discouragement, and spiritual attack by the evil one can cause us to drift when we place our hope in anything else but Christ.
This life is full of adversity and trials. One of the hardest questions to answer is why?
“Why do I have to deal with so much adversity?!”
Quite honestly, one of the best answers I’ve seen was written by C.S. Lewis in his book, Mere Christianity. Lewis likened God’s use of adversity (storms) to walking a dog. If the dog gets its leash (tether) wrapped around a pole and tries to continue running forward, he will only tighten the leash more. Both the dog and the owner are after the same end: forward motion. But the owner must resist the dog by pulling him opposite of the direction that he wants to go. The master, sharing the same intention, but understanding better than the dog where he really wants to go, takes an action precisely opposite to that of the dog’s will. It is in this way that God uses adversity!
First Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised when we face trials— things that rock our boat, or cause us to feel like we’re adrift. In fact, these very things can be used by God! We really don’t like being pulled and corrected by the Lord— but when we understand there’s a greater purpose involved, then we can walk through the storms with hope, expectation and steadfastness knowing these events are for our greater good! (Romans 8:28)
We may not enjoy it, but when all’s said and done, enduring trials faithfully will produce perseverance, character, and hope. And hope will not disappoint us for the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(Romans 5:5)
So when you find yourself in a hopeless state of drifting or in a storm, here’s a question to ask: What or whom am I anchored to right now? In other words, where am I placing my hope? Is it in myself, my spouse, my career, money, in____?
Hope is an anchor for our souls ONLY when it’s fastened to the bedrock of Christ Jesus!
How about you? Have you placed your hope in Jesus today?
This post is linked to:
http://www.lorischumaker.com/moments-make-the-difference-momentsofhope-link-up/
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2016/05/inspire-me-monday-week-227.html
http://www.foreverjoyful.net/?p=1083
I love that hope anchors us. The psalmist says in chapter 39, the Lord is his ONLY hope, the only one he can rely on. If we want our anchor to do its job our hope must be attached to the Lord. Thanks so much for giving us something to ponder today, Beckie.
Amen, Patty! The Lord is our only hope.
The best definition for hope that was ever shared with me was “a confident expectation for good.” I used to think hope was more like a wish that may or may not be fulfilled. But when we think of hope as something that we expect with confidence, and it is placed in someone as steady and sure as God, it’s a wonderful thing!
(Mere Christianity is one of my favorites. I’m glad you brought in this comparison!)
Elihu, I like that definition: a confident expectation for good. And we know that God’s plans for us are good! Thanks.
Beautiful encouragement. God always knows when to show up and show out. Needed this read today. Thanks Beckie!
And I needed your encouragement today, Shira! I love it when the Lord does that! Thanks.
Always a sincere pleasure. God bless you!
Amen, so blessed me.
Neli, Thanks for taking the time to tell me! Keep shining that light of yours 🙂
True words. With Christ as our foundation we are secure! Thank you for sharing at #LMMLinkup!
Thanks, Gayl. It’s an honor 🙂
“Hope is an anchor for our souls ONLY when it’s fastened to the bedrock of Christ Jesus!” – Amen, my friend! I adore this post! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful HOPE alongside me on my new Moments of Hope Link-Up! This is the heart of what I prayed God would flood #MomentsofHope. ♥
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Lori, I’m honored to share. Blessings to you too!
Amen. Both our hope and our faith are only as reliable as the object. Anyone other than Jesus Christ is a faulty foundation, but praise God Jesus never fails! Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup.