Finding an Anchor in Stormy Weather

“When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:13-20 NIV)

The early spring weather where I live, like many places, can be crazy and unpredictable. Within the last month we’ve had mid-70’s temperatures, freezing temperatures, snow and rain and fierce winds. The poor plants and flowers have suffered greatly.

We all know the weather can be unpredictable, that we can rarely assume once it gets warm in the spring that it will stay that way. It is also that way with life. Things may be going along smoothly and then, suddenly, boom, we find ourselves in a whirlwind—a break-up, an illness, losing someone we love, an unexpected financial challenge, or a late semester project a professor decides to assign. In so many ways, life can come at us and shake us. 

This passage can be difficult to understand, but the central point is God can be trusted regardless of what is happening in our lives. The believers to whom the writer was writing felt under siege by Roman persecution. They were frightened and discouraged. What the author reminds them is they are not alone and abandoned. The Lord who was able to provide permanent access to God by removing the stain of sin from our lives continues to be present in our lives. Our hope in Him is the anchor that will hold us steady in the midst of the many and varied storms of life.

If we trust in Him, we will be safe regardless of our circumstances. If we are not anchored in Him, like a ship unmoored, we will be tossed about and carried along by the stormy waters.

Today, where does your trust lie? In yourself? In your pleasant circumstances of the moment? If it is in anything besides the Lord, know you are in for a wild ride when the inevitable storms of life come upon you. It will be much better for you to be anchored to the One who has overcome the world and can overcome whatever it is you will face.

© Jim Musser 2018