Anchor: January 15, 2014

TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15, 2014

ANCHOR

DEFINITION:

Device for mooring a ship or boat; to restrain the motion caused by waves and holds the ship in place. A person or thing that can be relied upon for support, stability, or security.

SCRIPTURE:

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and one which enters within the veil. Hebrews 6:19.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

As believers we have an anchor to moor our life on daily. God’s Word is an immovable anchor for us in the times of storms in our life. As believers in Jesus we need to learn how to cling unto our Savior, Jesus, and anchor our hearts to His Word. We also need to learn how to leave room in our time schedule to allow Him to bring everything together for us according to His plan and timing.

In Daniel 6 we have an example in the life of Daniel that we can learn from. Daniel had made that commitment to cling to his faith in God for his daily anchor. Even the king knew of Daniels love for his God. When Daniel was lowered into the lion’s den by King Darius’ servants the words of the King lingered in Daniels mind. “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you” Daniel 6:16.

After the servants laid a heavy stone over the opening to the underground chamber, Daniel never did waver in his faith in God. The next morning the King came to the chamber and found Daniel untouched and proclaiming, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me” (vv. 21-22).

Daniel’s fate was never in the hands of men. His life belonged to God. God’s Word was his anchor and therein lies the victory. Daniel survived because he had put his total trust in God and his faith in the Lord’s promises. Daniel did not do this just for this crisis but every day of his life he trusted and obeyed God. Even when the King’s evil advisors convinced the King to make it a law that no one could pray to God for thirty days Daniel got down on his knees three times a day and gave thanks before his God as he had done previously.

In the last several weeks we have received Emails from friends like you who read our daily devotionals. Many have shared with us that they are struggling with their faith. The problem is easy to see. The storms of life have overwhelmed them and they are adrift from their faith in God.  They are without a steadfast anchor. When we as believers, struggle with issues that is the time we need to check to see if we are strongly connected to our anchor. That anchor is Jesus.

We want to remind you that when you struggle with issues such as financial concerns, family breakups, job losses, or marital problems it is time to turn over to Jesus every concern and allow Him to be your anchor. Whatever storm you are in the midst of, trust God with it. Ask Him to take away your fear and anxiety. Have faith in the Lord and trust in His care.

God knows when we need encouragement, guidance and hope. This is why He provides for us specific promises in His Word, that we may understand His nature and trust Him. Many of us, many times, wished we had a clear word from God for a situation we faced. The answer is in the anchor that he has given us. His Word is a compass, a guide, and an instruction book for life. To know God’s direction for us demands from us daily reading His Word, studying His Word and praying for God’s answers.

Some of God’s promises are conditional, but we can stand in faith on all of them. Lean on the Lord daily and experience God’s best for your life. Get to know and enjoy His presence in a personal way.

Children look to their parents to be their anchor in the developing years of their young lives. Home is their safe harbor. As they venture further out on the sea of life away from their safe harbor they will encounter storms and need to know that Jesus is their steadfast anchor.

In Daniels day, God spoke through visions, dreams, and sometimes audible. Today God speaks to us through His Word. Are you listening? 

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 43:1b

Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

PRAYER:

Help me to lean on Your promises today as my spiritual anchor. Help me to learn to follow You so that You are leading me every step that I take this day. Teach me how to depend on You through my meditating on Your Word and listening to Your voice.