Anchor for the soul

. . an anchor of the soul, sure and firm. (Hebrews 6:19) 

 

The Letter to the Hebrews was addressed to Christians wavering in their faith. Persecution, including imprisonment and loss of property, was tempting some to give up their faith in Jesus and embrace the more customary, and therefore safer, traditions of Judaism. And so the author reminds them that they are anchored, surely and firmly, to the hope and promises found in Christ. He now is their “high priest” before God, the One who intercedes for them every day (Hebrews 6:20). Hold on to Jesus, the author urges. He is steadfast, and he will keep you safe in any storm.

Think about what an anchor does. It stops a boat’s progress. The boat may still move a bit with the current, but the weighty anchor, dug into the bottom of the sea, will hold it fast. This is who Jesus is for you! He is your anchor who holds you fast to the mercy and presence of God. He is your source of stability, because his promises are sure, and his faithfulness is absolute. He can also help you remain faithful, as he reminds you of everything that he has said.

When a boat drifts far enough, the anchor is there to tug it back. Some days, you might feel that you have drifted away. Be assured, the anchor can hold you! You may feel its tug in a twinge of conscience, a hesitation to say or do something, a conviction that certain thoughts in your head are not godly, or even an inability to continue in the direction you were headed. This tug assures you that Jesus has not abandoned you. It assures you that you are still rooted and grounded in Christ.

Hebrews tells us that this anchor “reaches into the interior,” right into the presence of God (Hebrews 6:19). That is where you are anchored—in heaven! So go ahead, and approach your heavenly Father today. Ask him for help, direction, and comfort, and be assured that he will hear you. Day after day, challenge after challenge, Jesus is with you, interceding for you and making your faith and hope and trust in him more firm.

“Thank you, Father, for the hope and confidence that your promises give me. Thank you for anchoring me to you!”

from wau.org

Believe these words!!

After John had been arrested … (Mark 1:14)

John’s arrest was big news. Bad news. Heartbreaking and lamentable news. Yet though it heralded the end of John the Baptist’s ministry, it wasn’t the end of the story. Herod’s malice could not halt the plans of God. John came preaching the good news of repentance and forgiveness, and when Herod had him imprisoned, Jesus continued John’s preaching. He even added to it. He continued John’s call to repentance, but he also announced, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” and called everyone to “believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15).

In the face of bad news, which we all face at one time or another, Jesus urges all of us, Believe the good news. Believe it despite the bad or heartbreaking or lamentable news. Choose to focus your thoughts and emotions on the truth of the kingdom of God. Remind yourself of all of the promises and proclamations Jesus has given us:

   • “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

   • “I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)

   • “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

   • “I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

Believe these words! Write them down, and put them where you will see them every day. Make promises like these the “news” that fills your thoughts and lifts your heart.

God’s plans can never be defeated—not by John’s arrest or Jesus’ death or the devil’s malevolence. Not by rulers or schemes or any sin or misfortune in your life. Believe the good news: you have been born, through baptism, into Jesus’ death and resurrection, into a living hope. God is keeping a careful watch over your life. Because you believe in him, you can hold onto his promises when you are feeling discouraged or frightened. Jesus has won for you a place in his kingdom; he has made the good news a reality for you. Let these truths sink into your heart so that you can know peace in the midst of difficulty or sorrow.

No empty words

My word … shall not return to me void. (Isaiah 55:11)

For thousands of years, politicians and merchants have made claims about what they or their products can do. And some of us have learned, to our chagrin, that more than a few of these claims are wildly exaggerated. Not so with God! He tells us that his word goes out and never fails to accomplish his will—and he’s absolutely right! Think about the word that proceeds from God’s mouth:

The word is creative. Read the first chapter of Genesis. When God said, “Let there be light,” there was light. So too with day and night, earth and sea, plants and animals, and all the rest. All things, St. John says, came to be through that word. When a word goes forth from God’s mouth, it brings into being something that never was—life. It establishes in you what is lacking so that his life in you can flourish, so that your faith and your relationships can deepen.

The word is authoritative. That might suggest notions of government, commands, and obedience. But authoritative also means trusted, true, reliable, and dependable. This is who God is! And he is for you. When he commands, he also offers the grace to obey. Your obedience to him brings you life, because in everything, he works for good with us. His authoritative word never changes or varies. It never deceives or manipulates. It just is—solid, true, dependable, and trustworthy. 

 

The word is near to you. This creative word, which you can rely on and trust and which surpasses everything, is as near as your tongue, as close as your heart. You long for life or peace, joy or patience, and the word, which is close to you, can bring them about. Ask God for what you lack: healing, forgiveness, a new start, or a permanent break with old habits. He will speak the word you need, and as you take it up, it will accomplish his desires for you. 

Finally, the word is alive! Jesus, the Word of God, became flesh, dwelt among us, and overcame death.

Nothing can conquer the word of God. So rejoice in that word today! Read it. Seek its guidance. Invite it into your life, and watch it bear fruit!

“Father, speak your word to me today. I long to be made alive with you.”

from wau.org

Know your place!!

The Lord is calling us to walk in the confidence of what He says we are:

• we are the apple of His eye
• we are winners
• we are overcomers
• we are not consumed
• we are not condemned
• we are victorious
• we are prosperous
• we have all our needs supplied
• we are tattooed in the palm of His hand.... etc.

The confidence we have in these promises should give us clout and yet should humble us so that we can walk in PURPOSE. Lets study scripture to glean more of these promises.