An anchor of the soul

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, - Hebrews 6v19

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.

Thus begins the marvellous old hymn by Priscilla Owen. This dear saint captures so well the idea of Hebrews 6v19, in fact much better than I could ever hope. Let’s look at the rest of her words.

It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Saviour's hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.

It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.

It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

2009 looks like it may be a very tough year for so many people. The future is uncertain. The seas look rough and choppy. Without an anchor we could well be tossed about the violent storms ahead.

But we do have an anchor – steadfast and sure. May we each find that anchor and hold on to it in 2009.