Life is full of storms. Emotional, relational, financial and more. These storms come in all shapes and sizes and can be quite terrifying. What we anchor ourselves to during the storms of life determines the outcome. Those who rise above the fear have a secure anchor.
An anchor can be made of various things. But what every anchor has is an element of trust. It’s what tethers us to the things that our anchor is made of. For example, knowledge, preparation, hope, faith, relationships, etc. Without that trust, we have no anchor.
The strongest anchor is made of many things.
The strongest anchor is made of many things. Click To Tweet
KNOWLEDGE
Some storms are the unsettling changes in life. For example, getting a new job, moving to a new home, kids going away to school, aging, retirement, etc. These types of changes we know are coming so we can prepare for them. There are books we can read, classes we can take, and people we can learn from. Knowledge gives us boldness. When we know how to respond it gives us courage. This courage anchors us.
Consider first responders. They rush toward trouble because they’re carrying a solution. They’re prepared. They’re trained with both knowledge and skill they can trust.
When we know what to do in the storms of life it anchors our soul.
When we know what to do in the storms of life it anchors our soul. Click To Tweet
HOPE
Some storms arise without warning. They knock the wind out of us. Before we catch our breath, fear starts drawing horrifying and foreboding pictures in our mind. It can be paralyzing.
This is where hope shines bright because hope dares to believe the fear is wrong. Hope anchors us by seeing possibilities and seeking answers. It keeps our head above water. When fear says it’s the end, hope says not yet.
Hope builds itself into a stronger anchor by seeking knowledge and faith.
Hope builds itself into a stronger anchor by seeking knowledge and faith. Click To Tweet
FAITH
Faith is what you believe. But beliefs can run shallow or deep. Shallow beliefs are often dormant. This makes them weak anchors. They don’t move us to action. Deep faith is active. It connects with trust making it a strong anchor.
I’ve had weak faith that made my anchor weak. There are two phrases that helped me. They’ve activated my faith and made my anchor stronger. I declare them out loud when a storm hits and it’s like throwing an anchor over the side of a ship. One is, have faith in God. The other is the battle is the Lord’s. Time and again those words have anchored me through the storms of life. When I’ve grabbed these, even when afraid, God was right there to love the fear out of me.
Weak faith can become stronger by activating it.
Weak faith can become stronger by activating it. Click To Tweet
IN WEAKNESS
Storms big or small in our lives always involve fear at some level. The enemy of our soul is likened to a roaring lion. That’s a visual of fear. I’ve heard the roar and felt the fear. There’s no shame in feeling the fear. But there have been times my faith was devoured by the fear. When this has happened, I’ve reached for other parts of my anchor.
Because God is faithful and can’t deny who He is, He has kept me safe even when my faith was weak. When I cried out for help in weakness, He found a way to anchor me with hope, knowledge and the support of others. I’ve discovered anchors become more secure each time they’re used. The important thing is where we put our trust. God is trustworthy.
We can have an anchor for every storm in life.
We can have an anchor for every storm in life. Click To Tweet
WHAT NEXT:
- Which of these anchors do you relate to?
- Do you have a different anchor you can share in the comments?
Here is a song to help activate your faith:
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Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an actor of the soul (mind, will, emotions), hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil (where our compassionate High Priest Christ invites us to come before Him with all our concerns). Ps.119:11 – Thy word, I have hidden (treasured) in my heart (soul, mind, core beliefs) that I may not sin against Thee. Ps.139:23-24 – Search me O God and know my heart (soul content) anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me (in my soul, thoughts, beliefs needing correction) and lead me in the everlasting way (guide me to spiritual truth). Romans 1:4 – For whatever was written in the earlier times was written for our instruction (learn), that through perseverance (spiritual strength) and the encouragement (comfort, exhortation) of the Scriptures (God’s entire word) we might have hope. Note: Many words can be used but God’s word will not return void but will accomplish God’s desire (Isa.55:11). Sue Mullins in Florida
Thank you for sharing all those verses, Sue.
Danielle,
We need these reminders (and encouragement.)
Thank you.
As you’ve alluded to in your email—we all go through storms and struggles and pain and uncertainty. We need anchors.
Yet, we live in a century of the self-help god. You are enough. It’s you, you you (as in me, me, me.)
I am wholeheartedly for self-betterment, self-improvement, constantly pushing oneself to grow and escape the status quo.
Yet, when we ponder our purpose, and life’s brevity and realize this is not the end … merely the beginning!
And, when we groan under difficult situations … we need anchors. As you’ve pointed out.
Hope, for me, stand out. A certain definite hope and assurance of how we can live fuller and more purposeful lives here and now but that we can also have a relationship with an eternal Father …
Simple? No. It’s faith.
You’re welcome, Danie.
I agree we need reminders. I often am reminding myself with my writing.
Thank you for sharing!
Very encouraging post, especially as I sit here with a heating pad on my stiff neck–stress! My anchor is going to a church that plays music like I Raise a Hallelujah and prophesies. For example, yesterday, I went to church and the female founding pastor prophesied Rest as a prescription for my greatest life trouble, the cause of constant stress. Rest instead of trying to make it work: a new concept for me.
Thanks for the support, Danielle, I excitedly click on your emails, knowing you will have good nuggets of wisdom.
How wonderful to get such an affirming word at just the right time at church. I’m so happy for you.
Sending prayers for your relief, healing and the ability to rest as prescribed.
Thanks for sharing, Kara. I’m thrilled you find my words so encouraging.