The Anchor

From Nancy White: This week’s blog is penned by my friend and “sister from another mister,” Latresa Powell. Her passion for Christ and the word of God is an inspiration.

The Anchor

As I was checking my bank balance online this morning, the website flashed ads while I waited for my account information to load.  That’s when I saw it - one simple quote – “The storm proves the anchor’s worth”.  Maybe it caught my eye because of the recent hurricane, but it made me stop and think about the power of my spiritual anchor.

So I began a little research and I was quickly jumping from website to website looking at everything anchors.  To my surprise, the strength of the anchor is not based on the weight alone.  The shape, angle and how far it can penetrate the seabed, play a major role in its power to hold.  Ever get your boots stuck in the mud and just have to crawl out of them?  That suction works the same way with the seabed and the anchor.

Spiritually speaking, I think the holding power of my anchor depends on my willingness to sink deep into the holy seabed of God’s word.   The biblical promises I am given prove my anchor will hold.  For example, Hebrews 10:23 says Let us HOLD fast the confession of our hope, without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.   Isaiah 41:13 says For I am the Lord your God who takes HOLD of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Nahum 1:7 says The Lord is good, a strong HOLD in the day of trouble; and he knoweth those who trust him.

But what about those days when I am tossed about on the sea, feeling lost and alone, trying so hard to keep my soul’s ship afloat?  Maybe on those days I forget I have an anchor or I forget to lower it to the seabed.  How could that happen? I believe it has something to do with the “other anchors” in my life.  We can all hold on to “other anchors” that cripple us to the point we can’t find or don’t have the strength to lower our spiritual anchor into God’s seabed.  I may struggle with fear and doubt that God’s grace is really not for me or that I am not worthy of his love and mercy.  I may struggle with the desire to hold on to old hurts, grief or grudges. Or, maybe my busy life style clouds my thoughts and turns my focus away from the one true anchor.    

So as of today, I choose to cut loose the “other anchors” that have me caught on the reef, struggling for spiritual freedom. I will polish up my true anchor and when the trials and tribulations come, I will drop my anchor deep into God’s holy seabed and find the comfort and peace our Father has promised.  I don’t have to fight the storm alone or be tossed about on this sinful worldly sea because, as it says in the hymn “We Have an Anchor*”: I have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the sea billows roll, fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

Latresa Powell lives in Winona, Texas and works as an insurance risk manager.

*Words by: Pricilla J. Owens; Music by: William J. Kirckpatrick