An Anchor for Our Soul
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28 So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.[a] A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.[b] 29 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. (Acts 27:27-29, ESV)
For Insight
The ships anchor serves an important purpose: it holds the vessel in a particular place, keeps the vessel from drifting away due to currents or strong winds, it keeps the vessel from capsizing in a storm and provides security, stability, and a firm foundation. Because of all that could happen out on the waters, the anchor is a critical part of the vessel and piece of equipment.
When the apostle Paul was imprisoned and being transported by ship to Rome, they ran into a strong storm. Paul said the storm was so intense they were not sure they would make it through so he advised them to do the things that would assure their safety and survival. They threw overboard extra weight and started letting down the various anchors at certain points to slow the ship down because it was being driven by the strong winds. Because they knew when to put the anchors down that act alone may have been the strategic, significant most lifesaving measure they used and were able to make it safely to shore-albeit on boards and pieces—but thankfully alive.
Keeping in mind that our “soul” encompasses our emotions/feelings, thoughts, attitude, temperament, character, spiritual heart, even our faith, we can understand the importance of Jesus being our soul’s anchor. When Jesus is the anchor of our soul, we are kept steady, kept from going adrift or off course, steadied in stormy or turbulent times, prevented from capsizing under the heavy weight of life and circumstances and held firmly in our faith even when all else around us is shaky and chaotic. Having Jesus as our soul’s anchor is as critical as the ship needing its physical anchor.
When we’re going through something in life, no matter how intense or unpleasant we can remind ourselves Jesus anchors us and can keep us steady and in a good, strong place emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The world may find other things to anchor it: money, material possessions, job and status, and titles but there is no more reliable anchor than Jesus Christ.
Praying Acts 27:27-29
Jesus we’re so blessed to have you as the anchor of our soul! Because you anchor us, we are kept steady and balanced even through the most turbulent storms of life. While the world chooses different anchors, we find our peace and strength remaining in and with you. Amen
Digging Deeper:
Devotionally Yours 