The Anchor Holds

DEVOTIONAL

I love the story of Peter walking on the water in Matthew 14.  I go deep sea fishing every summer while I’m on vacation, but I’m no nautical expert by any stretch.  I am somewhat fascinated by boats though.  In Matthew 14, Jesus gives Peter this incredible invitation to come walk on the water with Him.  However, in my opinion, I wouldn’t necessarily call it, “walking on the water.”  I would call it, “walking on the waves.”  The storm did not quit before he received the invitation.  If I am Peter, I am saying, “Jesus, I’d love to, but could you calm the waters a bit before I take such a risk and step out of the boat?” I think many times in life we find ourselves in a storm, and stability and comfort are what we desire. But we must realize that God is our only stability and comfort -- not our circumstances.

I love the concept of an anchor.  If you think about it, a boat anchor doesn’t change the current, or the waves, or the winds. It simply goes to the bottom, where it is calm and quiet, and provides consistency where none seems possible from the surface.  Think about it, something below the surface, below the waves, and below the winds is the thing providing stability on the surface.  When the wind and storms of life come crashing around us, Jesus is our anchor.  If we stay fastened and connected to Him, He then brings stability and peace to our souls when everything on the surface seems lost.  My prayer and encouragement to you, for the next 21 days, is that regardless of the storm that you’re in, that you would discover the anchor of your soul.  The only thing that can sustain you, keep you, and save you…Jesus.  

SCRIPTURES

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil.” — Hebrews 6:19

“He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.” — Psalm 62:2

“He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” — Psalm 40:2

PRAYER

Father,

Today, I am choosing to anchor my soul into You today….my will, my mind, and my emotions.  Thank you for Your promise that in You, I live, move, and have my being. As I commit to this journey of prayer and fasting with my church, give me the strength to press through any hardships and struggles, and allow You to do the work You want to do in and through me.

Thank you for my church. Bless the leadership with Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as plans and directions are made. In Your name I pray. Amen.