GOD'S WORD: OUR ANCHOR AMIDST THE STORMS OF LIFE

Living in the world can feel almost like being on a ship. At times, we experience periods of relative calm when things are smooth sailing or routine. However, there are also times when challenging happenings around us cause the storms of life to form and make us feel like we are being tossed about on rough seas. Life is rarely smooth sailing all the way, but throughout the journey, we know that we can anchor ourselves through God’s unchanging word and wisdom. His word and guide to living can offer us safe harbours of shelter when faced with such storms.

The Storms of Life

In life, many things happen that are beyond our control and this often makes us feel like sailors witnessing a big storm brewing on the horizon. Storms can also strike suddenly and without much warning.

In making a living, many of us worry about job security or business sustainability. In an age of AI and automation, entire industries are being transformed, and this also means many jobs or business prospects will be upended as well.

In schools, students worry about increasing competition, being able to keep up with curriculum and exams, and how to balance their time between studying, co-curricular activities, and other requirements of school.

Those in their golden years might worry about adequacy of resources in retirement, medical concerns and costs, finding purposeful activities, and so on.

All of us must think about our personal health, safety, and well-being too. Some of us may be afflicted by dreaded diseases or struggle daily with chronic conditions and other health challenges.

On top of these concerns closer to us, we also must grapple with happenings in the world around us - from wars in Europe and the Middle East to rising geopolitical tensions, trade instability, regional threats to safety and security, infectious disease pandemics, and more.

These developments often filter down to impact us in very personal ways. For instance, trade wars can directly impact our livelihoods and we have all experienced how disease pandemics can cause major disruptions in our lives.

These can add to the sense that we are sailing through choppy, unpredictable waters. In such times, some may feel adrift - without direction, stability, or peace.

The Unchanging Nature of God's Word

As Christians, we should prioritise our spiritual lives, but this does not mean that we are automatically immune to the storms of life. However, we have been given a steadfast anchor - the word of God. It does not shift with the winds of societal change nor gets left behind by the passing of time. It holds us firm when everything else is moving.

Through scripture, we understand that even challenges and difficulties can have a greater purpose, as written in Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV) - "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope."

When a sailor sees a storm coming, the most important thing is to find a safe harbour and drop anchor. God's word is like a solid, unchanging anchor, keeping us from drifting too far off course.

As Isaiah 40:8 states, "The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” In the same vein, 1 Peter 1:25 reads "But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

A Steady Guide Through Rough Waters

God's word also provides us direction. Sailors rely on charts and compasses to navigate the open seas. In a similar way, Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” While the route ahead may seem dark or foggy, God's word is sufficient for us to take one faithful step forward at a time.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Just as any good ship is equipped with tools to navigate a voyage, God has given us His word to equip us for every good work and keep us on course in our Christian walk.

Holding Fast to the Anchor

Hebrews 6:19 opens with: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..." That hope is not anchored in ourselves, our possessions, our society, or our circumstances - it is anchored in the promises of God through Christ Jesus. An anchor does not stop storms, but keeps the ship from being dragged away or broken apart in undesirable waters.

To remain anchored, we must commit to knowing God’s word - reading, studying, and living by it. Sailors regularly inspect their anchors and we must likewise constantly test our thoughts and decisions against God’s word, making sure we are living according to God’s will (Acts 17:11).

Brothers and sisters, we are sailing with purpose and not drifting aimlessly. The course may be long and some seas may be rough, but with God's word as our anchor, we have every reason to sail on with hope and confidence.

Ask Myself:

1. What does Romans chapter 5 say about facing troubles/difficulties?

2. A good sailor regularly checks their equipment (e.g., anchor). What must a diligent Christian do?

3. Have you faced any “storms in life” and how has God’s word helped you during those times?

Suggested Answers:

1. It mentions that troubles/difficulties can be triumphed by faith in God and that we can “glory in tribulations” as they help us persevere, and in turn develop character and hope. "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV)

2. We must know God’s word and like the Christians at Berea, we should “search the scriptures daily” to make sure we are living according to God’s will (Acts 17:11).

3. You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.