As many of you know, my last name is highly nautical and quite appropriate as my father-in-law retired out of the US Navy, my sister-in-law serves in the US Navy, and my husband is still serving in the Marine Corps. I have always loved intertwining “anchor” themes into my home. Of course, there are several songs, quotes, and hymns filled with this beautiful analogy of Jesus being our anchor. The verse in Hebrews 6:19 is one of my favorites. A few weeks ago, I ran across a documentary about sailing that introduced me to the idea of a “sea anchor.” This is very different from your standard metal iconic anchor. A vessel deploys this parachute-looking anchor when it is in deep waters and encounters a storm. The most fascinating concept is that the sea anchor keeps you from drifting off course and keeps the vessel's bow facing the wind. Another idea that these proficient sailors stressed was it was not enough just to have the sea anchor, but you and your crew needed to practice deploying it to build up muscle memory. The crew also stated that they watch the radar for approaching storms. If they feel like they cannot go around the storm, they deploy the sea anchor before the storm's impact.

The spiritual analogy here was mind-blowing. I always think of an “anchor” for setting on the ocean floor to keep the boat from drifting. However, the sea anchor, my brothers, and sister, seems more accurate to the Christian walk. Jesus said He would be our hope like an anchor, but that does not take away the storms and high winds we face in deep waters. If we keep our faith anchored in the Word of God, He keeps our “bow” facing the wind and the waves so as not to let them overtake us. Even in the fiercest of storms, the highest of waves, Jesus will provide that hope.

I know many of you are looking at your life’s radar, seeing the storms mount all around you while in deep waters. Claim Hebrews 6:19, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Dig deep into the Word, memorize those truths, and claim the hope of Jesus. Trust in Him to take you through those waves that would otherwise sink your ship!