We Have an Anchor that Keeps the Soul!

Some things in life tend to give us a sense of security and safety. I find that I take great solace in my family, home, church, friends, job, just to name a few. Even when we face challenges and difficult situations, these ‘safety nets’ can help us feel comforted and supported - they are in a sense, ‘anchors’ for us in times of trouble.

One big anchor for me is my parents who always encourage me in God’s word and prayer. We share a very close relationship and I take great encouragement in knowing that despite being 1000s of miles away,  they are always praying for me. A few years ago, my mother was diagnosed with an illness that has no cure…boy did that shake my world! What was happening to one of our trusted prayer support anchors?!

Also, about 3 years ago, my employer went through a radical institutional restructuring which meant that I was suddenly faced with the possibility of losing my job because there were going to be fewer roles in the new structure. My sense of safety in my job or secure income was gone!

"Will Your Anchor Hold" (or sometimes titled "We Have an Anchor") is a hymn that was written by Priscilla Jane Owens and the words were inspired by Hebrews 6:19a which says  "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...".

Verse one of the hymn says:

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?

The songwriter encourages us to think about the things that we have set as anchors in our lives. Particularly when we face those difficult situations or go through challenges that can be likened to storms of life…

If the source of our hope is in things of this world, or people, or our clever plans then sadly, that hope could wane or fail with the passage of time. The stories of the real-life experiences I shared earlier are examples of how things (e.g. job security) and people (e.g. praying parents) are definitely a blessing, but they are not intended to replace or become the source of hope itself. In the hymn, the songwriter reminds us of what the source of hope in this life should be - the eternal hope we have in Christ, which is our ever-sure anchor, unshakeable in life’s storms!

The chorus of the hymn says:

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 Saviour’s love.

Those anchors that give us stability and safety in our day-to-day lives are certainly important. Family, friends, buildings, cars, money, health, governments, etc play a part and help us to feel grounded. However, THE anchor that truly preserves us is our hope in the promises of God! We can rest assured in the promises of God because He is faithful - His promises to us are Yes and Amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20). God has never failed to keep His promises…and he won’t start now!

Throughout the 18 months of uncertainty during the restructuring at my workplace, I was able to hold on to promises such as ‘God’s plans for me are for good and not for evil’ and ‘all things work together for good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’, among others. And indeed, all things did work together for my good…within 9 months of the new organisation structure coming into effect, I was promoted twice! Glory be to God!  I continue to hold on fast to the promises of God concerning my mother’s health and her healing and He provides peace as we navigate life’s stormy waters. I am convinced that He who has healed her of many health challenges before, is more than able to do it again, according to His word!

My dear ladies, I’d like to encourage us to spend time in the word of God so we can see the promises He has given us, so we can stand firm on those promises as the source of our hope in the journey of life.