The Joy of the Journey
Anchor Deep
When a hurricane is approaching, ships must take extreme precautions to ensure their safety. One critical measure is to anchor deep, a practice that can mean the difference between survival and disaster. This action is not only symbolic but essential in navigating the intense forces that hurricanes unleash. Just as the deepening of a ship’s anchor provides stability in the midst of a physical storm, it also serves as a metaphor for how individuals must anchor their lives deep in Christ when facing overwhelming trials. In life, storms come in many forms: illness, loss, financial hardship, uncertainty, and inner turmoil. These challenges can feel overwhelming, shaking us to our core, much like a ship tossed on a turbulent sea. In these moments, it is natural to search for something or someone that can offer stability. For Christians, that unshakable source of strength has always been and continues to be, Jesus Christ.
The metaphor of Jesus as our anchor is rooted in the Bible. Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” This verse offers believers deep assurance in God’s promises, through Christ. An anchor keeps a ship from drifting, even when the waters are rough. Similarly, Jesus keeps us from being swept away by the trials and tribulations of life. The fact is an anchor doesn’t prevent storms from coming, nor does it stop the waves from crashing against the boat. Instead, it ensures the ship stays secure despite the wind and waves. Trials will come, but Jesus promises to be with us in the midst of the storm. He offers stability, direction, and strength when we face the fiercest challenges.
The Gospels contain stories of Jesus calming literal storms, such as in Mark 4:35-41. The disciples were on a boat in a violent storm, fearing for their lives. In their panic, they woke Jesus, who was asleep, asking Him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus responded by commanding the wind and waves to be still, and there was complete calm. He then goes on to challenge them to have greater faith. We cannot forget who’s on the boat with us. It might seem like Jesus is asleep, but let’s face it: I would rather have Jesus asleep in my boat and not in my boat at all. The essential truth is that Jesus is with us, even when there’s only silence. We must remember God is working, even while we are waiting on Him.
Jesus doesn’t always calm the storm around us, but He promises to calm the storm within us. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” When we turn to Jesus during our struggles, He offers us peace that defies human comprehension. His peace anchors us even when the chaos of life rages on.
The storms of life often shake our faith and make us question God’s goodness. It can be difficult to understand why God allows us to endure such hardships in times of intense suffering. However, the Bible assures us that God is faithful and His promises are trustworthy. In Acts 27:27–28:5, we read about Paul being shipwrecked. God promised Paul that not only he but also all those who were with him would survive as long as they stayed in the boat. It is my belief that the boat represents our relationship with Jesus. Don’t give up and don’t bail out no matter how strong the storm may be. When anchored in Jesus, we cling to the truth that God is working through our trials for our ultimate good, even when we can’t see it. Jesus is not only our Savior but also our Sustainer. He strengthens us, intercedes for us, and gives us hope, knowing that nothing—no storm, no suffering—can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
Life’s storms will come whether you serve Jesus or whether you don’t. Life storms will come; whether you’re a good person or a bad person, all of us will find ourselves at some point in a fierce fright, but as Christians, we have the assurance that Jesus is our anchor. He holds us steady, keeps us from drifting, and offers us peace amid chaos. As we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we find the strength and hope to endure, knowing that our anchor holds firm.
