“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Heb 6:19
Like the opening scene of an action movie where horrific events are unfolding and the hero walks out as if nothing happened, this is the life of the believer. We get sucked into these films because we want to know what the character knows that empowers him or her to remain calm in a hostile world. Jesus went willingly, calmly to the most torturous death because he knew it was not the end of the story. It was the beginning of ours, and how we walk through this life reveals to the audience where we anchor our trust.
Like the action hero and best said by King David, “I shall not be greatly moved.” (Psalm 16:8). Neither are surprised by tribulation. They progress right through it knowing their hope is anchored in a power greater than their circumstances. This is not always my first response to challenging circumstances.
What does an anchor do? It keeps you from drifting off course, being tossed off course, or even intentionally going off course. The placement of the anchor is very important. Hebrew 6:19-20 goes on to assure us that this hope “enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” This means that our hope is anchored in the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God. So, when my eyes see failure, my body feels defeat, and my courage fluctuates circumstantially “…we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” – Heb 6:18 NIV
Great courage in the face of adversity, peace when defeat appears imminent, joy in the midst of pain, standing tall when we should be crushed, advancing when retreat is justified – all are supernatural responses because our confidence is in God’s presence.
Man fails, but God cannot. Knowing our hope is anchored in the supernatural, not human, empowers us to proceed calmly through explosions in this life. When we are knocked down by the hostility of this world, faith gets back up because our hope is anchored far outside the realm of humanity.
When the waves mount up around you and horrific events unfold, “take hold of the hope offered to us and be greatly encouraged.” There’s an audience curious about your story. p.s. for a story about hope during loss, read Paige’s story
~ brandi
