MAY 21, 2014
Anchors
In The Storm
Read: Joshua
1:1-9
The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. —Joshua 1:9
When Matt and Jessica
tried to navigate their sailboat into a Florida inlet during Hurricane Sandy,
the craft ran aground. As the waves crashed around them, they quickly dropped
anchor. It held the sailboat in place until they could be rescued. They said
that if they had not put down the anchor, “We would have lost our boat for
sure.” Without the anchor, the relentless waves would have smashed the vessel
onto the shore.
We need anchors that
hold us secure in our spiritual lives as well. When God called Joshua to lead
His people after Moses’ death, He gave him anchors of promise he could rely on
in troubled times. The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. I will not leave
you nor forsake you. . . . The Lord your God is with you wherever you go”
(Josh. 1:5,9). God also gave Joshua and His people the “Book of the Law” to
study and observe (vv.7-8). That, and God’s presence, were anchors the
Israelites could rely on as they faced many challenges.
When we’re in the
middle of suffering or when doubts start threatening our faith, what are our
anchors? We could start with Joshua 1:5. Although our faith may feel weak, if
it’s anchored in God’s promises and presence, He will safely hold us.
We have an anchor that
keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure
while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock
which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep
in the Savior’s love. —Owens
When we feel the
stress of the storm we learn the strength of the anchor.
Insight
In today’s reading,
God encourages Joshua who has recently replaced his predecessor, Moses. God’s
past faithfulness to Moses must have brought great comfort to Joshua: “As I was
with Moses, so I will be with you” (v.5). For us as well, God’s faithfulness in
the past brings courage for the future.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
