When
Matt and Jessica tried to navigate their sailboat into a Florida inlet during
Hurricane Sandy, the craft ran aground. As the waves crashed around them, they
quickly dropped anchor. It held the sailboat in place until they could be
rescued. They said that if they had not put down the anchor, “We would have
lost our boat for sure.” Without the anchor, the relentless waves would have
smashed the vessel onto the shore.
We
need anchors that hold us secure in our spiritual lives as well. When God
called Joshua to lead His people after Moses’ death, He gave him anchors of
promise he could rely on in troubled times. The Lord said to him, “I will be
with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. . . . The Lord your God is with
you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:5,9). God also gave Joshua and His people the
“Book of the Law” to study and observe (vv.7-8). That, and God’s presence, were
anchors the Israelites could rely on as they faced many challenges.
When we’re in the middle of suffering or when doubts start threatening our faith, what are our anchors? We could start with Joshua 1:5. Although our faith may feel weak, if it’s anchored in God’s promises and presence, He will safely hold us.
