We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19
An anchor is defined as “a heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom. Anchors are particularly essential during times of storm as they help to secure boats when the sea waves toss them about. Without an anchor, a boat could not dock or standstill. An anchor provides reliable support for a boat.
During this time of uncertainty, many people are afraid. In some cases, the fear is causing distress and hopelessness. Many who are battling coronavirus are afraid to die. Those that have lost their employment are wondering how they are going to pay their bills and provide for their families. They are afraid of the economic crisis facing this country, and they do not know what to do. I spoke to a brother yesterday who has been trying to apply for unemployment benefits for the past month and still hasn’t been able to do so because the system is overwhelmed with applicants.
What do you do when your fear is greater than your faith? Where does our hope come from as we struggle with the vicissitudes of life? Many people are tossed and driving on the restless sea of time. They wake up every day to somber skies and howling tempests as they try to cope with the crisis related to COVID-19.
Today’s text reminds us that Jesus is our anchor when we are afraid. The Lord invites us to come to him when we are weary and burdened, and he will give us rest (Matthew 11:28). Yes, rest from the emotional devastation of losing a loved one to COVID-19. Jesus can give us rest from worrying about losing our jobs. He can also give us rest from the fear of contacting coronavirus.
Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm, and secure. Indeed, even as thousands have died from the virus, we dare to hope that the virus will pass over our houses and not infect our loved ones. We also hope that God will see us through this economic downturn and deliver us from the recession.
Jesus is our anchor when we are afraid. He is the sure foundation upon which we stand. In times of adversity, we lean on our anchor for strength. Jesus is our reliable support when other people have failed us, and when there is on one else to help us.
I do not know how people who do not have faith in Christ are withstanding this COVID-19 crisis. What I do know is that I lean on Jesus to get through every day. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I wholly lean on Jesus’ name because he is my anchor.
The situation with COVID-19 is very fluid. Every day, a vast number of people are dying or getting infected. In addition, the economic crisis is worsening despite the intervention of the government. Those rapid changes are causing many people to have existential whiplash. Thus, we all need an anchor.
COVID-19 has created a culture of fear in our country and throughout the world. No one knows when this climate of fear will be alleviated. Yet believers are called to “trust in the Lord with all their heart and lean not unto their own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). In truth, I don’t understand how we’re going to come out of the COVID-19 crisis. However, because of Jesus, I have this hope that everything will work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). That hope is the anchor for my soul, firm, and secure.
Prayer- Blessed Lord, please strengthen the faith of those who are struggling to deal with the COVID-19 related crisis. Remind them that Jesus is the anchor for their soul when they are afraid.