My new One Word for 2023, Hope and I have fast-tracked our acquaintance, spending a good deal of time together as the new year came in clothed with uncertainty and trial. Every post written in the month of January had a theme surrounding Hope. Pondering a visual for my One Word friend, Hebrews 6:19-20 drew me in with the Hope which anchors our souls.
Just barely 2 months into our journey, Hope lessons abound, speaking deeply into my life. I created a special page on my blog where all my Hope posts live, please take the time to acquaint yourself with the wonders of my journey with this magnificent word.
hope as an anchor
The more I meditated on Hebrews 6:19-20, the more I fell in love with the visual of an anchor for Hope.
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV
Stumbling upon this journal on Amazon, sealed the visual for me, having the verse quoted on the outside of the journal, an anchor for a bookmark, and Psalm 46:10 on each journal page.
The Hope which anchors our souls is not just any hope, but a Hope which withstands every storm we face.
The unpredictability of life’s storms urges us to anchor our souls to the only source able to provide the strength we need when our own strength fails.
setting the anchor of hope
Having spent time in and around boats, I learned the difference between simply throwing the anchor into the water and setting the anchor. Unless you set the anchor, it will not completely keep the boat from drifting.
Likewise, improperly fixing our Hope on the wrong source, or haphazardly clinging to the nearest comfort will not keep us from becoming battered by life’s storms.
At times, in the deep waters of life’s storms, we cast about like the disciples in Mark 4:35-41, anchored only with our own strength, perspective, and lack of trust in God’s sovereign goodness.
Fixing our eyes on the Hope of God’s promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ sets the anchor of our souls steadfast and sure.
3 Ways Hope Anchors Our Soul in Christ
- An Anchor Set in Certainty. The Hope which anchors our souls is the certainty of God’s promised inheritance, declared by Him and secured by the blood of Christ.
- An Anchor Set in Perfect Peace. More than a mere concept, this Hope, grounded securely in Christ, envelops us in perfect peace in any storm.
- An Anchor Set in Relationship. Because Jesus entered in behind the veil, as our perfect Priest, we are secure in newness of life as sons of God, boldly able to approach our Father in time of need.
the hope which anchors our souls
The Hope which anchors our souls is the fulfillment of God’s promises to us, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. No matter if the storms we face involve death, loss, divorce, financial hardship, health crisis, or any other calamity, Hope grounded in Christ is the anchor which always holds.
Creating a visual of Hope as an anchor has strengthened my heart, fueling my faith in God and His steadfast promises for whatever the coming months may bring.
In the deepest, darkest, storms, remember Hope anchors your soul in the certainty of God’s promises, while securely wrapping you in His perfect Peace, as His beloved child.
Corinne Rodrigues says
What a powerful visual reminder of hope, Donna. I pray as you journey through this year with hope, the Lord will bring you closer to Him. May you continue to be a true ray of hope to us, your readers too. ♥
Donna says
Thank you, Corinne! I am really loving my little anchor visual! God is breathing much into my life about Hope! I pray I might share the special treasures with others that He shares with me!
Michele Morin says
Anchored in the holy place!
Behind the veil!
There’s so much delightful truth in the gift of this verse and it’s all pointing to Jesus.
Donna says
Michele, I love that thought! “Anchored in the holy place behind the veil”, I am writing that in my Hope journal!!
Jodee says
Hope is a great word! I was blessed by this post and look forward to hearing about your journey with Hope this year.
Donna says
Thank you, Jodee, I am truly enjoying my journey with my special word very much!
Lisa Blair says
Thank you for this beautiful reminder to set our anchor on Him, Donna.
Donna says
Thank you, Lisa, I’m learning more and more, setting my anchor in Christ is the only firm foundation for the storms of life!
Anita Ojeda says
Amen! Thank you for the reminder to set my anchor correctly. Our only hope is in Jesus!
Donna says
Thank you, Anita for reading, setting my anchor in Christ!
Lisa notes says
I love the symbol of an anchor for Hope too (and the verse, of course). One of my most helpful mindfulness practices of late has been “dropping anchor”…taking a minute to anchor myself back in the present, in my body, in the now.
Donna says
Thank you, Lisa, it’s probably pretty common, but it resonates with me! I love the mindfulness use of dropping anchor, I need that in my days too!
Joanne Viola says
Donna, such a good post! You are so right about “setting an anchor.” Without a set anchor, we will be tossed about by the wind and the waves. Your post brought the words to an old hymn to mind, which I shall be humming today 🙂
“In times like these you need a Savior,
In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure,
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”
Blessings!
Donna says
Joanne, such a great hymn, so many hymns kept swirling through my head as I wrote his post. It’s amazing I never noticed the reference to an anchor in any of them until now!
Deborah Rutherford says
Donna, I love the visual of an anchor too! God is our anchor and compass – He navigates our as lives through calm or stormy waters. Beautiful writing my friend.