Anchor

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. – (Hebrews 6:19, NLT)

This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God Himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven. – (Hebrews 6:19, TLB)

This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. It goes behind the curtain. – (Hebrews 6:19, ERV)

 

Hope is everything. Without it, we sink. As this journey has unfolded on the road to recovery following mom’s stroke, the image of an anchor with the word “hope” on the crossbar, seems to be etched in my mind. I am only beginning to realize how important the picture is to hold, as I feel like a ship, being tossed to and fro, desperately in need of anchoring in each port of call. When I am home, I need to set anchor here; allowing Him to lead and guide and grant me hope in my daily life as I attempt to reenter a world that has continued in my absence. At mom’s, it is a bit easier to feel anchored in hope in where I am, yet there are strong waves of doubt, fear, sorrow, and wonder, as to whether or not I am doing enough, or if I am doing a huge disservice to my family and loved ones at home.  This anchor of hope we hold in Christ is strong and secure, it allows us direct access to God. No more do we have to stand in the outer courts, but because of Christ, we can present our petitions directly to the heart and ears of God Himself. He hears and He knows; He answers and He loves. I know this is a seemingly odd post on Father’s Day, yet I can think of no better example of a father. The very best of fathers grant us safe harbor and teach us to set anchor so that we may weather life’s storms safely. God does this for us when we seek Him. May we ever trust our hope in He who is the anchor for our soul, who takes us behind the sacred curtains of heaven and hears our hearts, individually; personally.

 

Hope is the anchor,

When we’re tossed at sea;

Waves keep on crashing,

What will come of me?

Hope sets us steady,

Brings our hearts to peace;

Space of safe harbor,

As grace is released.

When the storm rages,

You are stronger still;

Bring us to safety,

And with Your love, fill.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Anchor in whom we can hope forever. Thank You that You steady our soul and keep us safe through all of life’s storms. Thank You that You are strong when we are not. Forgive us for our fears, frustrations and doubts, as we attempt to depend on our own oars, rather than You, who anchors us to safety. Teach us to trust You more, even when we cannot see shore. Show us how to love those around us in a way that helps anchor hope into drifting hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be the anchor of our hope, and praise You for being our good, good Father. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

 

I heard this new song, Anchor, by Skillet (my favorite band) two days ago, and was flooded by the truth of the lyrics. You can click the link to listen. Blessings. ❤

Where True Rest is Born

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, CEB)

 

When we grow weary or we become worn down from the load that life has us bear, Jesus calls to us to come to Him – for He will give us rest. It does not mean that our struggles will disappear, yet He who is far greater than anything we face, will walk beside us and carry the load when we can walk no further. His strength will be given, as He provides time and space for us to sit quietly in His presence and just rest. In that space, we don’t have to do or be anything to anyone. We are His. He loves because He created us, not because of anything that we have or have not done. May we go to God with our weariness and weightiness, and allow Him to grant us the rest that we so desperately need in Him.

 

When weight of the world,

begins to bear down;

waves keep on crashing,

you fear you may drown.

Seek the Lord Jesus,

He calls us to come;

to give our burdens,

to the Righteous One.

There is an exchange,

when we seek His face;

He takes our burdens,

gives rest by His grace.

Come all you weary,

tired, broken and worn;

Christ is the answer,

where true rest is born.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to come to You when we are weary and burdened and broken down. Thank You that You are not put off by our need, but rather it is in that space of need that You meet us, and grant us Your rest. Forgive us for trying to power through in places where we are meant to stop and spend time before You, allowing You to show us how You will help bear the burden that is beyond what we are meant to carry. Thank You that when the load is ours to bear, You strengthen us in our space of seeking. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will come to You when we are weary, and allow You to grant us rest. Show us how to come alongside others to be Your hands and heart in such a way, that their load is lightened too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to You with our burdens, and find Your rest. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5