This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. – Hebrews 6:19 (NKJV)
Key points:
- Our hope does not prevent us from being subjected to the storms and torments of our lives but is instead made for them.
- Jesus is our anchor. Let Him keep you pointed into the storm.
- Listen to this episode of Real Hope in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
On a grey November morning in 1974, a construction crew dredging New York’s frigid East River snagged something so heavy it nearly toppled their barge.
After a tense tug of war with the submerged behemoth, the bucket finally surfaced a massive derelict ship anchor.
Weighing over 2.5 tonnes and close to 4m high, the wooden sailing ship anchor hadn’t seen daylight in over 100 years, and yet it showed little sign of decay.
Today, the East River anchor is still displayed long after the ship it was connected to was lost.
Our hope does not prevent us from being subjected to the storms and torments of our lives but is instead made for them.
When the Bible speaks of the hope as an anchor, don’t merely think of something fixing you to a point during a storm.
Sure, that’s one of its critical roles.
Another is to help point the bow of the vessel into the storm to prevent water rushing in over the sides or stern.
Jesus is our anchor. Let Him keep you pointed into the storm.
Our hope does not prevent us from being subjected to the storms and torments of our lives but is instead made for them.
Likewise, as tempting as it may be to think of hope as an umbrella, think instead of the East River anchor.
Massive, robust, lasting, powerful, and designed to last against the most turbulent of currents.
Made for those very currents.
To this day, that anchor still inspires passers-by with its stately form and scale on a paved street near the East River.
Listen to this episode of Real Hope in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Even while hope is sustaining us during tough times it’s also a great encouragement to others around us.
Jesus is our anchor. Let Him keep you pointed into the storm.
Listen to this episode of Real Hope | The Podcast in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe to the YouVersion plan or listen to Real Hope | The Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Feature image: Photo by CanvaPro
Devotion written by Dwayne Jeffries (originally published as ‘Anchors Outlast Ships’ 12 January 2023).
Feature image: CanvaPro
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