Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

There are two distinct metaphors in this verse, and many people don’t have a reference for either one. Boating is fairly common and we are all familiar with the idea of ships and anchors, but unless we have personal experience, this image isn’t likely to grab us. The thing is, in heavy seas or strong winds, anchors can and often do drag along the floor of the body of water in question. It is only when they dig into the sand or catch onto fixed rocks that they really fulfill their purpose. That’s why this verse specifies “firm and secure.” The second metaphor is even less familiar, because it speaks of the temple in Jerusalem that hasn’t existed for almost 2000 years. There was a curtain that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple. The Ark of the Covenant was there, signifying the very presence of God. Matthew records that when Jesus died on the cross, that curtain split from the top to the bottom, signifying that Jesus had opened the way to God’s presence. (Matthew 27:51) What the writer is saying here is that our hope is firm and secure in the very presence of God. All of us have times when our hope doesn’t seem very strong, when our “anchor is dragging,” so to speak. When that is the case, it shows that our hope has shifted off of what God has done for us in Christ and onto some lesser thing, generally circumstantial. The thing is, circumstances are temporal, temporary, and so can’t be a firm and secure anchor for us. Storms certainly come in life, as even Jesus assured us, (John 16:33) so we need to confirm that our anchor is properly set, and take our focus off of the wind and waves.

I’m in a very minor training session in this at the moment. A number of essentially minor things, coupled with the heat and humidity, have added up to make me feel unsettled. How silly! Lifting my eyes to Jesus is without question the answer. You’d think I’d have that down pat by now, but even at 73 I still need reminders. I need to focus on Christ to have the anticipation of all that has been promised us in Him. That’s the hope that is spoken of here, and I need to walk in it.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me tackle each thing I face with the assurance that You will get me through it, and not let the devil distract me with negative scenarios. That only produces procrastination that benefits nothing! Help me flow with Your Spirit on Your schedule each moment of today, resting, relaxing, and rejoicing in You just as You have told me to do, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!