Reflection and Awe: Lent's PurposeSample

Anchor Point

“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!” – Pricilla J. Owens

Throughout our lives, we will face storms. It’s unavoidable. If you haven’t yet faced a storm, then be assured that it’s coming. No one is immune from facing trials and difficulties. The Bible reminds us that it rains on us all at one point or another (Matthew 5:45).

But as believers, we have the opportunity and resources at hand to weather the storms of life. As Priscilla J. Owens writes in her hymn, “We have an anchor that keeps the soul.”

That anchor is hope. It is the assurance of our future, secured and bought by Christ through His death and resurrection. Jesus told the disciples plainly saying:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 NIV

Take heart. Have hope. Be anchored to this truth.

So, what does it mean to be anchored?

According to the Cambridge University definition, to be anchored means “to make something or someone stay in one position by fastening him, her, or it firmly.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to put securely in place or in a desired position.”

To be anchored is to be firmly grounded, held, and strong in your position. It means that you are secure, safe, and fixed in place. In climbing or traversing, anchor points are used for fall protection.

In the person of Christ, by the Holy Spirit, and through the Word of God, we have anchor points that stop us from falling. They keep us safe, secure, and fixed firmly in the truth of our salvation when the storms of life come raging. They hold us when the wind gets up, and things begin to shake.

Here’s the thing: an anchor only holds if you choose to attach yourself to it. Imagine a climber scaling a rock face. As they ascend, the wind and elements intensify, making it harder to stay secure. The anchor points are there to stop a fall, but they only work if the climber actively clips into them.

Similarly, Jesus was anchored to the Father to carry out His mission—the cross. He stayed connected through prayer, obedience, and unwavering trust in God’s will, even in the face of unimaginable difficulty. This reliance on the Father was His strength and security.

The Bible is filled with anchor points—God’s promises, His character, and His proven faithfulness. These provide a solid foundation when life’s storms hit. But we must choose to engage with them. What keeps us from falling if we don’t clip into our anchor?

Let’s prepare well today. Ask God to show you a promise you can stand on when challenges arise. Write it down, commit it to memory, and keep it close to your heart. Anchoring yourself in His truth now ensures you’ll remain secure when the storm comes.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. - Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV