Hope is an anchor, thrown and lodged in the presence of God. Through any storm below, our feeble life is held in place deep inside the eternal Presence.
“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;” (Hebrews 6:19 KJV)
On the floor, here in the stormy winds of life on earth, our boats would be battered on the rocks of disappointment were it not for a rich and living hope that stretches the chasm of time and takes hold of the eternal. Jesus is our assurance. His life, death, and resurrection offers the perspective that no earthly circumstances can dim.
Crossing To The Other Side
I love the way the New Testament relates the story of the disciples crossing the choppy Sea of Galilee in Matthew 14. “Go over to the other side,” Jesus instructs. Most of us know what it is to be crossing to an “other side.”
The other side may be financial freedom. It may be a strong and secure marriage. Maybe your other side is a satisfying job in which you are respected and appreciated or a breakthrough in ministry. The other side for some might be their child coming home or a sickness healed.
Rest assured, Hope has instructed you to cross over. Not to stay on the shore looking into the void. Hope has made His word known, and that word is your bridge to a better future.
The command to cross over does not come with any guarantees that the journey there will not pose challenges, however.
Tossing Waves & Contrary Winds
The disciples faced tossing waves and contrary winds.
I’m certain you have faced similar threats to your peace. God says one thing, and everything around is screaming otherwise. Been there, got the wet suit!
Hope is the anchor.
Hope stays attached to the Word, and the word is settled where? In Heaven.
Our life is connected to eternity through faithful Words that never fail.
Even the presence of God seemed like a specter in the face of the storm. The surly disciples’ previous bravado was left trembling. Even when Jesus emerged from the froth it seemed to them unbelievable that the other side was within their grasp. The harsh winds and bearing waves had all but dissipated their confidence.
Despite their cries, and in the face of their stark unbelief, here are the words that Hope spoke through the darkness.
“Be of good cheer! It is I, be not afraid!”
His word in Heaven to anchor our soul.
His presence on earth, walking above the storm, to cheer us.
Jesus first – everything else follows
Eyes on Him. Heart wrapped around His promises. Heart on fire with the lively expectation of eternal life, and disdain for the devil’s lies.
God’s words are active and carry the power of fulfillment within themselves. When He says, “Go to the other side,” the very words themselves, believed and received in the heart, are the bridge over the wildest waves.
What has God spoken to you? What anchor has He fixed deep within the veil for you to hold onto?
Keep rowing friend. Keep scooping out the water that threatens to sink your little ship. Not even stormy seas in darkest hours can stop your progress.
Jesus is no apparition. He is alive.
The storm may shout, but Jesus words are like many waters, drowning out the discouragement. He is faithful indeed, a living hope that can never be extinguished or calmed.
