I sit looking out the picture window at the waves crashing in. The waves are relentless. They keep rolling in as they crash upon the shore and seem to take half of the beach with them as they recede back out. I think of one of my favorite scriptures in Hebrews, where Jesus is described as our anchor. My anchor seems to be bobbing in the waves lately. 

Chronic illness will do that to you. Each day brings a new wave of pain, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and fear of the unknown. Recently I’ve added a diagnosis of chronic lung disease, which daily takes my breath away. As the tide rises onto the shore, so does the fear in my heart. How long will this storm last? Will there be a break in the crashing waves? When will the sun come out?

The crashing waves remind me of when the disciples were caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, fighting heavy waves (Matthew 14:22-33). Suddenly, in the middle of the night, they thought they saw a ghost walking towards them. This is when Jesus calls out to them, and Peter has the courage to get out of the boat and walk on the water towards Jesus. Yes, fear eventually gripped him and he began to sink, but instantly Jesus reached out to him, and they were safe on the boat. 

Just getting out of the boat is a huge accomplishment. 

For me, just thinking about getting out of the boat would be huge. Trust in the anchor of Christ is accomplished day by day, minute by minute. I might not have a huge physical or spiritual insight each day, but just keeping my eyes on Christ helps keep me anchored in the hope and faith that He is always with me.

Waves are always going to be present at the beach, and I love to watch them as they display the power and might of God. Similarly, in my own life, there are going to be challenges and obstacles to overcome. When they come, I frequently look at a ring I purchased several years ago to remind me where my hope is tethered. It’s a simple silver ring with an anchor, reminding me that my anchor–Jesus–is firm and secure.

My hope is safe with Him. No matter what is swirling around my life, I’m secure in the middle of the storm with Christ.

Contributed by: Mary Beth


Scripture:

Hebrews 6:18b-19a (NLT)
“Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”


Prayer:

Father, I come before You, acknowledging that my anchor is often set in the wrong places: in my own strength, in fleeting security, or in the distractions of this world. But Your Word reminds me that we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. I long to experience the grounded peace and stability that only You can provide. 

Help me to shift my trust from what is temporary to the unshakable foundation of Christ. Just as You have promised, You are unchanging and faithful, a refuge in times of trouble. Guide me to lay hold of the hope set before me, to remember that in You, I have a sure and steadfast anchor. Teach me to stay anchored in Your love, so that when the storms of life rise, I will be secure in Your presence. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.