An Anchor for the Storms

“Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God's Son!’”
Matthew 14:22-33

One of the standard pieces of equipment found on a boat, large or small, is an anchor. Its purpose is to hold the vessel fast and to secure it to one spot, keeping the boat from drifting while not under power. When a storm strikes, a ship’s anchor often will be lowered in order to provide resistance to the storm and, hopefully, maintain control.

In life we sometimes encounter what easily could be referred to as storms. How well do you ride out the storms you encounter? Do you merely survive - blown around by every contrary wind and wave? Or do you cast your anchor - and does your anchor hold you fast? How did you respond to the last storm you encountered in life? In what have you placed your hope as your anchor?

If you are depending on anything or anyone other than Christ, the Solid Rock, you will surely know disappointment.

“Jesus my Lord is real to me,
Daytime or when the nighshades fall,
Whether on land or stormy sea,
He is my Friend, my All in all.”

“Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a Shelter in the time of storm.”