An Anchor of the Soul

"Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, ¹⁸ that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. ¹⁹ This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, ²⁰ where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 6:17-20

The hope of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is assured based upon the double-strong promise of God, and those who abide in Him have strong consolation which cannot be moved.  The illustration of an anchor is fitting, for it does not stop the ship from rocking on the waves.  I once worked on the U.S.S. Nimitz as a contractor and the two anchors of that immense vessel weigh 30 tonnes each!  While the ship was moored in the Coronado harbour I do not remember seeing the anchors, for they were likely submerged under the water.  What could not been seen with our eyes held the 100,000 tonne ship secure on the dock.  If you are interested to see what an anchor of the Nimitz looks like, follow this link.

The currents of the oceans are always moving, and at times great storms develop and sailors must ride them out.  Despite wind, waves and contrary current the child of God can be at rest because of the hope we have as an anchor of the soul.  Sailors drop anchor out of sight that rests on the seabed, yet through faith in Jesus who has gone into heaven He anchors our hearts there with an expectation of joining Him someday.  The massive anchors are able to hold fast an aircraft carrier, yet they are nothing compared to the God who created the heavens, earth and us.  Iron will rust and perish in sea water; the brake can fail and the anchor and chain can be lost.  In a total contrast to this God holds us fast without fail and is able to redeem us forever without the loss of a single soul who trusts in Him.

Deuteronomy 33:26-27 says, "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. ²⁷ The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, 'Destroy!'"  The children of Israel celebrated the living God, the eternal God who helped them and was their refuge.  Even if it feels like we are at the mercy of a satanic tide it is a mirage, for "underneath are the everlasting arms."  Having sought refuge in the LORD, He will surely help us and bear us up.  The hope in our Saviour is both sure and steadfast, established by the eternal and true word of God.  Jesus has ascended into heaven so He is able to anchor our hopes there in Him.  How blessed we are to have a God who rides the heavens to help us and will ensure we are gathered to Himself in heavenly glory.