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. ❤

Gaining Life

When both blessings and trials come our way, the thing which matters most, is where we choose to stand. Are we being tossed to and fro by the tides of change, or are our feet securely planted on the Rock that cannot be moved? By standing firm you will gain life. – (Luke 21:19)

 

To stand firm, is to place our hope and faith in Christ, no matter how difficult the situation. Christ has given us His Holy Spirit to comfort, protect and provide for our every need. Our assurance in Him ought to grant us the courage to stand strong in the Lord, as He alone is the way to eternal life. May we hold fast to His promises, and know that all in this life is fleeting, but that which is yet to come, is eternal.

 

Blessings and trials,

will both come our way;

how will we choose stand,

throughout day to day?

Thrown, tossed to and fro,

by changing of tides;

or trusting in Him,

where all hope resides.

The Lord is the rock,

that cannot be moved;

He’s safe and secure,

His promises proved.

May we choose stand firm,

and set aside strife;

hold fast to the Lord,

and in Him, gain life.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the Rock on which we can stand secure. Thank You that no matter what goes on around us, You will not be moved. Thank You that when we stand firm in You, our future is secure for all of eternity. Forgive us for our fearfulness and weariness. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will hold fast to You, no matter what comes our way. Lead us to love others as You so tenderly and generously love each of us. May many come into a saving knowledge of You, so that futures are forever secure in You. Be exalted O God, as we stand firm in You. Amen.

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

Listen… be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. – Proverbs 23:19