A SURE AND STRONG ANCHOR

My Bible reading today took me to Hebrews 6. It’s about growing in our faith and not turning back or becoming stagnant in our growth and faith.  Good stuff!

It also has strong words of encouragement, for instance:

God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people.

And he will remember that you are still helping them.

We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives so you will surely get what you hoped for.

We do not want you to become lazy.

Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised. 

                                        [Hebrews 6:10-12]                                                                                                   [All Bible quotes from the NCV unless otherwise noted]

The chapter goes on to talk about oaths and promises. As I was reading this section this morning, I began to notice words that were familiar to me. The passage that triggered my memory follows:

These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he makes a promise, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us. He has become the high priest forever…[6:18-20]

Did any of this ring familiar with you?

You’d have to be an old guy like me and raised in a hymn-singing environment. 🙂

The following hymn, “We Have An Anchor”, was written by Priscilla J. Owens and published in 1882. She wrote a number of hymns that were targeted toward children; another was “We Have Heard A Joyful Sound”. She was of Scotch/Welsh descent and lived in Baltimore while teaching school for fifty years.

If you remember this old hymn, why not sing it instead of reading it?

To listen, click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rirjItMxHjk

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?

Refrain:
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 Savior’s love.

It is safely moored; 'twill the storm withstand,

for 'tis well-secured by the Savior's hand.

Though the tempest rage and the wild winds blow,

not an angry wave shall our boat o'erflow.

[Refrain]

When our eyes behold through the gath'ring night

the city of gold, our harbor bright,

we shall anchor fast by the heav'nly shore,

with the storms all past forevermore. [Refrain]

____________________________________

These words are POWERFUL for those who may be passing through difficult times!

Our God is a Rock that cannot be moved!

If you've anchored to Him - rest in the fact that He's got you covered!

If you aren't sure about your relationship to Him - start talking to Him right now! He has loved you from the beginning and extends His mercy and grace to you even now when things are desperate!  Talk to Him like you would talk to anyone else! He's waiting and He's listening!  

If you desire help, send me a personal message. I'd be happy to talk or pray with you! I maintain an active Facebook page.  ;-)