A solid anchor
As a child, I spent time with my father at the lake near where my aunt and uncle lived. We would row out on the lake and fish with just a bamboo pole. We used a rope that was cemented into a coffee can and tied to the boat with a knot. It was designed to slow the boat's natural drift in the water, but it didn't keep us there for long in strong currents. We had to pull in the anchor often and reposition the boat. I can still hear the gentle lapping of the water against the sides of the boat. This memory is very precious to me. The sun warmed us, the sounds of the water were soothing and my father's company was invaluable. In those moments, I felt safe, loved and secure.
We all need security, love and safety. When we cling to worldly things, we often experience the ground beneath us shaking. Things change, people change, even our health changes. This can cause our faith to waver. We must constantly re-orientate our position and anchor ourselves firmly again and again. In a world full of uncertainty and change, faith offers us a constant and unshakable foundation: "This hope is our anchor, sure and steadfast, reaching into the heavenly temple, to the Most Holy Place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone before us to be our high priest forever, just as Melchizedek was" (Hebrews 1:14). 6,19-20 Hope for All). These words remind us that God's Word is true and that we can rely on Him. By holding on to faith in God, we find in Him our firm and strong anchor of hope.
The water on the lake was not always calm when my father and I went out fishing. When the wind picked up, the boat would rock, but my father's presence kept me safe. My father was a stronger anchor than the boat's anchor. Our world will rock at times, especially when the things of life overwhelm us. In such situations, we should remember that our Heavenly Father and Jesus are our firm anchors: "But Christ lives forever and ever; his priesthood is not to be taken by another. Because Jesus Christ lives forever and intercedes for us with God, he will also save finally all who come to God through him" (Hebrews 1:14). 7,24-25 Hope for All).
I remember one boat trip out into larger waters where my brother told me about the big garfish with their fearsome teeth that live there. This was fine until the wind picked up and the boat started rocking. I was afraid of falling into the water, but when I looked up at my dad, he assured me that everything would be OK. He took us to calmer waters and took away my fear.
The Bible encourages us with the words: “We desire therefore that you keep this earnestness to the end, so that you may be able to hold fast with confidence the hope that God has given you” (Hebrews 6,11 Hope for All). Through faith and the confidence given by God, you can defy all adversities and find strength in his peace and comfort. In this way we remain steadfast and allow ourselves to be guided by his infinite love and care.
by Anne Gillam
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