Have you ever noticed that we as humans find security in some of the most visible elements of our existence? We take solace in those things that are clearly evident in our lives; things like cars, jobs, money, and most often our families. Yet in all honesty these things are only temporary: cars break down, jobs are lost, and family members pass away. These elements of life are not sure foundations on which to build or rest our future. They are as the grass that withers in a day and is no more. So what should we find security in? What should we look to that can protect and keep us stayed in the tossing waves of life? I submit to you that there is but one aspect of life and living in which we can take comfort: Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.
I know, you could see that coming from a while away, but really it is true. We have hope in Christ, we have peace in Christ, and we have salvation in Christ. The Bible explains that he the "fulness of him that filleth all in all." (Eph 1:23) He is everything we could ever hope for. For many years the lyricist have spoken of him as an anchor - something that holds us fast in the turbulent oceans of life. To me, an anchor is an excellent metaphor for our Lord Jesus Christ. When aboard ship one can look at the anchor and know that they have a course of action in midst of a storm. It is, therefore, a visible sign of security that we can look to for comfort. However, if we truly consider the anchor, it is when we can not see it that it is actually preforming its masterful duty. When the waves of the sea toss to and fro, foaming out their malicious intent upon every crest, we cannot see the anchor but we know that it is there. How? Because we are steady and kept in the place of security. So is it with our God. When the trials of life and the turbulent waves of false doctrine beat against us, we don't always see God's hand at work. Sometimes we cannot fill his mighty touch, but our lives are saved and we have a sense of hope that goes beyond understanding. We are indeed being held fast by the "Unseen Anchor."
Job was someone that went through the worst pain and suffering known to man (except for the Lord Jesus Christ), so who better could know the feeling of seemingly utter divine abandonment. Therefore we seek out his knowledge and let us recall his words: "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:8-10) This is an awesome revelation! In the times where we cannot feel . . . when we cannot see him at all . . . "he knoweth the way that I take." Isn't that beautiful? We might not know where he is, but he knows where we are. He is indeed the unseen anchor that holds our lives safe and secure from all harm. |
