Greetings in the name of “The Mighty Warrior” (Jeremiah 20:11) and in the name of Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! Wow! another beautiful morning to enjoy with thankfulness to the Creator. We are so blessed and many times we don’t even notice. I believe that I must learn to pay more attention to the ‘details’ that God looks after. I will be praying for you today, asking Father to touch your world with grace and mercy.
I headed for the office this morning after having watched the news reports…Nepal and Baltimore and International Space Stations and a dozen or so other items. My mind wandered to people that I knew who were in dark situations with health and family and life circumstances, I quickly gave thanks to God for my quiet world with manageable challenges. Just about then the words of an old hymn began to invade my heart and soul: We have an anchor that keeps the soul – Steadfast and sure when the billows roll – Fastened to the rock which will not move – Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love. Interestingly, that song was written by a Sunday School teacher from Baltimore in 1882 – Priscilla Owens. She wrote over 200 songs for her Sunday School children.
We, of course, know where the inspiration for that song came from: We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. Hebrews 6:19,20a NIV. Further encouragement says: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV. – He’s (God is) giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:9b The Message. When I look at world situations and the decisions that leaders make and when I look at the senselessness of human behaviour and when I observe the wilful refusal to allow God to be God…my hope remains anchored in Jesus Christ, who for the last 45 years has been my anchor “firm and secure” and when I wandered away has given me ‘space and time to change’.
In case you have been wondering…I have a new “CD” for my collection and it includes a song called, ‘My Anchor’ and the final line of the last verse says, so we can sing with faith: “Jesus, I hold on to You – And You hold on to me” – Christy Nockels. I am praying for those in Nepal and Baltimore and in my city and in my neighbourhood and in my church family who are facing storms and rolling billows and seemingly impossible situations — May they anchor their hope in Jesus Christ!
Be blessed!