The Anchor

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Posted by Pat Elsberry, April 17, 2024

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.“ (Hebrews 6:19 NIV)

Have you ever contemplated the importance of having an anchor? When we think of that word, our thoughts may lean toward a boating experience. Or you may consider an anchor someone who provides emotional or spiritual support and stability. Before walking through the grief journey, I only thought a little about anchors. But, as the journey became more challenging, I realized I desperately needed something to help stabilize me. I am grateful for my faith, as Jesus became my anchor in every sense. 

While it’s important to realize that although anchors have long been associated with the Lord, having Jesus as our anchor doesn’t mean we won’t go through any storms. It simply means we can rely on something bigger than us that will provide a firm foundation to steady us when the storms of life come. 

My husband, Fred, and I have dear friends who are avid sailors. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about sailing, but my friends absolutely love being out on the water for a week or two at a time. I imagine knowing they have an anchor is essential when they’re settling in for the night. Every anchor I’ve ever seen is a massive, heavy, unbreakable piece of iron attached to a long, sturdy rope or chain. At the end of the day, when my friends throw that anchor overboard, they are confident it will do what it’s supposed to–keep them from drifting out to sea while sleeping.

While having a reliable anchor is essential, it’s equally important that the attached rope is strong, stable, and secure. Each one cannot function at its best without the other. The same is true of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When Jesus left us, He said He would leave us with a Comforter–someone we could confidently rely on and trust. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, our counselor, advocate, and paraclete. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the rope attached to our anchor, Jesus. If we pay close attention and listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, He will keep us steady during the storms of life. 

While I may never physically be out on the ocean waters, it’s become more apparent to me that if I cling to Jesus, who is my anchor, then I will also be tethered to the Holy Spirit–the most robust rope we could ever dream of having and one that will never fray or break.

“We put our hope in the LORD; he is our protector and our help. We are glad because of him; we trust in his holy name. May your constant love be with us, LORD, as we put our hope in you.”

Psalm 33:20-22 GNT

Pat Elsberry is an author, speaker, blogger, and a passionate advocate for parents dealing with grief after the loss of a child. Pat created multiple social media groups focused on providing hope to others who are walking the same path, including her blog, Hope During Loss. Pat facilitates an in-person grief share for women who have experienced child loss, and is also a moderator for Team Sharing, a nationwide peer-led support group for parents who have lost children to substance use disorder. Pat is the author of Beautifully Broken: Finding Hope During Loss, and will soon release her first devotional, Comforted by God. Pat and her husband, Fred live outside Atlanta and have a blended family of 7 children and 5 grandchildren. Her favorite things include traveling, cooking, gardening, dark chocolate, and worship music. You can find Pat on her blog, www.hopeduringloss.com, and on Facebook and Instagram @HopeDuringLoss.