Hope Is An Anchor

Matt is an ordinand at St. Mellitus College and is based at Gas Street South.

Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure

Advent is the official beginning of the Christian year. It's marked by a time of waiting and expectation for the birth of Jesus. This week reflect with me on the hope we have in Jesus

The writer of Hebrews describes hope as an anchor, firm and secure. 

In biblical times, an anchor was probably made of a large basalt rock with a hole for rope. It would be lowered to the seabed where the weight and friction of the anchor would keep the boat steady against the pounding waves. 

Sometimes in life, 'smooth sailing' seems like vain hope, doesn’t it? Seasonal challenges, everyday problems, mistakes, temptations and sin we give in to, all keep us from our goal of walking close to Jesus.

Earlier, the writer describes how a contract was made at that time: to seal a deal, someone would swear by something greater than themselves He explains that when God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him, he swore on himself because there was nothing and no one greater than God. God gave his word.

Today, God has again made a contract but this time, with all of us. God has given us his word so that we will know that we have unfailing hope. However, this time his word is the incarnate Word of God, Jesus. God has literally given us his Word. 

We have the offer and the opportunity to put our hope in Jesus. He is the anchor in the storm - the rock that holds us to the seabed. Whenever you feel blindsided by a wave or caught off guard by a crisis, don’t forget you’re anchored to Jesus. He won’t leave you and he’ll never let you fail. Just take God’s word for it.

Pray: Lord, be my anchor in the waves. Be present in my problems and lead me through the storm into your marvellous light.