Hebrews 6:19–20 (NKJV)
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Introduction
Last Sunday, Pastor spoke of having a shifted soul. He admonished us to pray. He admonished us to pay attention and be mindful of our soul this week. He also stated that our souls must be anchored in the Lord in preparation for the shift.
An anchor was an ancient Christian symbol of safety, security, and hope. It is any of the various devices dropped by a chain, cable, or rope to the bottom of a body of water, preventing or restricting motion of a vessel or other floating object. Typically, it has hook-like arms, that bury themselves in the bottom to provide a firm hold. Stones and metal ties can be used as anchors as well, and people can be anchors of support, stability, and security.
So there is a shift coming. Is your soul anchored in the Lord?
This may sound like or be a paradox in that an anchor means to fasten, grip, hold, or restrict motion. But Charles Spurgeon stated, “Our souls are meant to move on, not to stand still.”
Is your soul anchored in preparation for the shift? Just a question to ponder.
What Hebrews Teaches About the Anchor of Hope
In our focus scripture, the writer of Hebrews reminds the reader of the certainty of God’s promise. Using Abraham as an example, the writer told how God made a promise to Abraham and did not waver, putting His own reputation on the line. Therefore, the reader has evidence of God’s promise and must hold fast to the hope set before them.
The Free Bible Commentary says the anchor of hope spoken of in this verse is parallel with Jesus, our High Priest, entering the heavenly tabernacle, even into the Holies of Holies, which we know was behind the veil, which symbolizes the very presence of God.
The hope of believers is in the character and promises of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. We are assured by two immutable, unchanging things: God’s promise and His oath. It is impossible for God to lie. In either of these two things, this anchor of hope is indeed steadfast and sure.
What an Anchored Soul Looks Like
So what does an anchored soul look like?
An anchored soul is rooted in truth—the truth of God’s Word, not circumstances. It is stable in trials. It is at peace, even when the storms of life are raging. The anchored soul is filled with hope—hope in God’s promises that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be our guide even unto death, and He will fulfill His promises.
Lastly, the anchored soul is resilient. It bends, but it does not break under pressure.
The Danger of a Drifting Soul
The opposite of an anchored soul is a drifting soul, one that is tossed to and fro by emotions, ruled by fear, pulled by circumstances, and unstable in trials.
There’s a song, and this is what it says: “There is a storm out on the ocean, and it’s coming this old way. If your soul is not anchored in Jesus, you will surely, surely drift away.”
Restoration and Security in the Storm
Pastor Rod encouraged us, stating God is in the restoration business. If our souls are depleted or out of alignment and drifting away, God can and God will restore our souls. Why? Because He is the Good Shepherd who sacrificed His life for us. He is the Great Shepherd who was raised from the dead, and He is the Chief Shepherd who will reward us at His return.
Just as the anchor does not remove the waves but prevents shipwreck, so it is with the anchored soul. It does not remove the storm, but secures us to Christ within the storm, thus preventing us from drifting away.
Have you paid attention to your soul so far this week? I trust that we all have and will continue to do so.
In conclusion, I’d like to repeat the words of the song played at the beginning, entitled “My Soul Is Anchored” by Douglas Miller.