Jesus: The Anchor for your Soul

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…”

- Hebrews 6:19 NIV

The strength of any ship’s anchor is measured by its holding power. A quality, seven-pound anchor can keep a thousand pound vessel in place.

In the days following Christ’s death, Simon, the one Jesus renamed Peter or “rock,” must have felt unsteady and adrift—tossed by the waves of shame and despair. Was he pummeled by reminders of his failures, shame, and fear?

Peter had withered under the accusations of a little girl at a campfire—not once, but three times denying friendship with Jesus.

Our faith is only as strong as the object of our faith.

Peter, in the midst of failure, shame, and fear, was connected to an anchor that was immoveable. Peter was held secure by the words of Jesus—who makes us into what he first calls us. After all, Jesus renamed Simon a “rock” fully knowing his future failures. Even as the rooster crowed and Peter left in tears, he was anchored to the promise of Jesus.

“Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat,” Jesus had told him. “But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

I love the promise in Jesus’ words. You will be tested, but your faith will not fail because I—the Friend of Sinners—have prayed for you. When, not if, you are restored let the strength you have gained through suffering serve to strengthen the faith of others.

Peter held tightly to the promises of Jesus. 

When God sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter stood up and openly confessed Christ to the crowd—and God rescued 3,000 souls.

Peter had learned to cling to the anchor of his soul, listening to the words of Jesus calling out above all others.