Changing Anchors

Changing Anchors

 

“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.” – Hebrews 6:19-20

Christmastime can be such a beautiful time.  Snow often comes and blankets the entire outdoors in beautiful glistening white.  Christmas trees shine their lights through windows.  Houses are decorated with wreaths and colorful lights.  In the country, where few lights are on at night, it’s a beautiful sight to see red, blue, yellow and green lights twinkle in the darkness.  But the most beautiful thing of all is not seen, but felt. 

The joy of Christmas and the excitement of getting up Christmas morning takes us back to an easy childhood joy.  There’s something about that day, being with family, celebrating God’s love for us, and celebrating the birth of Jesus that fills the heart of a believer to a bubbling-over level.  It is the celebration of true hope and genuine love.

But for some it can be a very depressing, dark time.  It can be a time when expectations don’t exist, because hope is betrayed.  It’s a time when the memory of loved ones who have passed hangs like a gray cloud.  For some the heartache of broken families floods over any joy that the day could bring, and the thought of just staying in bed and sleeping through the day is the most comforting thought of all.

I believe what makes a difference is where you find hope.  We don’t all store it away in the same source.  Some of us have placed our hope in man, in family, in friends.  Yet friends and family often let us down, break promises, grow distant, and sometimes never know the pain they cause.  But those of us that have placed our hope in Christ know that He does not lie, He does not fail, and He is a faithful and steadfast friend.

Hebrews 6:19-20 refers to Christ as an anchor for the soul and says “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.” He has gone where no man can go – behind “the veil” into the presence of God – as our high priest.  He has “entered for us” and stays there for us at God’s right hand.  He is our legal representation in times of trouble, our advocate in time of need, our friend in times of heartbreak.  He is an anchor that holds, that is steadfast and dependable.

There once was a ship that went out to sea at night.  During the night a horrible storm came, the winds blew, the waves rocked the ship, and the crew became fearful.  Not knowing what was around them in the darkness of night they cast out their anchor and prayed for morning to come and for the waves to subside.  They allowed fear to anchor them into the storm and among the waves, which prolonged their pain.  But in the morning, when the sun came up, they saw a beautiful white beach had been nearby all along, a port waiting for them to turn in.

Jesus can be your port, the anchor for your soul.  He waits for you to cut loose of the anchor of hurtful things and turn to Him.  Turn to Him, and find hope that never fails.  Anchor your soul to Him.  He does not disappoint.

Hope lives in the hearts of those who believe in Him.  Within two chapters of Psalms, 42 & 43, the same verse regarding placing our hope in God occurs not once, not twice, but three times.  It says “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.(Psalms 42:5,11;Pslams 43:5)”

The answer for the depressed soul is hope and faith in God.  Praising Him will bring about healing.  He is the balm for your soul, your ever present help in times of trouble (Psalms 46:1).

“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.” – Psalms 31:24