An anchor was a popular image in the ancient Mediterranean world.  Because that economy depended on shipping, the anchor symbolized safety and steadiness.  The writer of Hebrews used the word to remind believers that God has given a hope that holds firm in any storm (6:19).

Hope is a healthy attitude.  Anticipating good brings comfort to the mind and heart.  In contrast, hopelessness is painful.  It’s overwhelming and depressing to think that what you’re facing cannot improve.  For the person who has lost all hope, life feels like an endless, dark tunnel.

Included in Proverbs is a verse that describes the result of this oppressive feeling: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12).  But with our eternal and all-powerful God, no situation is hopeless.  In Him, we have the promise of the second half of that proverb: “Desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Believers have a hope that anchors their soul.  Our relationship with Jesus brings us close to the throne of heaven, where we can cast all our burdens before the Lord.  Moreover, we can cling to Him through any trial that comes our way.  He lights that darkened tunnel and tenderly guides us through trying situations.

Jesus is our sure and steady hope—we can
 cling to Him through any trial.