Remembering the Anchor

As I was mulling over a bunch of different events and circumstances affecting or involving our home and family this morning as the winds of change continue to blow,  and I found myself reeling in thoughts of sadness, happiness, doubt, hope, confusion — as if tossed in the waves of a rolling sea.  And then, almost as immediately as my mind was filled with cares of this life, I was calmed by the blessed assurance that “the lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places” (psalm 16) and, truly, the Lord is ever before me.  And, I’m further comforted that regardless of how this ship is tossed to and fro or whether it takes on water — or whether I stagger about, one thing I know (that I know that I know that I know): my Anchor holds.

I think of the hymn, My Anchor Holds; I think of Scripture that affirms to me that I have an anchor – a sure Anchor.  Though once again my circumstances *seem* to be louder than the Truth or *seem* to be lacking clarity, purpose or reason, I can be sure my Anchor holds.  And this is bcz my Anchor isn’t dependent on me or my actions or understanding, and my Anchor isn’t dependent on my ship.  My Anchor is Jesus.  The same who has given me my lot, the same who is the Author  and Finisher of my faith, the same who is my Redeemer and Friend: He is the Anchor of my soul.   He is ever before me.

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”  —Hebrews 6. 17-20

So I affirm to the Lord that I know He is with me — I know He is for me — and I know He only does all things well.  I know this because I have seen this all through my life, I know this because I read it in His Word — His precious, infallible, unchanging, sure Word.  A decision, then, needs to be made.  I can decide to look at and listen to and reel with my circumstances or I can remember His Word.  I have an anchor.  I have a refuge.  I have a Hope.  I have a forerunner… “even Jesus.”    I remember my Anchor holds.

Back to Psalm 16
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.  I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.  I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”  ps 16.6-9

And here are the words to the William C. Martin hymn, My Anchor Holds

Though the angry surges roll
On my tempest-driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly though the winds may blow,
I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure.

Refrain:
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds

Mighty tides about me sweep,
Perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o’er shade the sky,
And the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest’s shock,
For my anchor grips the rock.

I can feel the anchor fast
As I meet each sudden blast,
And the cable, though unseen,
Bears the heavy strain between;
Through the storm I safely ride,
Till the turning of the tide.

Troubles almost ’whelm the soul;
Griefs like billows o’er me roll;
Tempters seek to lure astray;
Storms obscure the light of day:
But in Christ I can be bold,
I’ve an anchor that shall hold.

However it is with you today… remember the Anchor.