Dropping Anchors

At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.  Acts 27:29 NLT

You know the drill – STOP, DROP, ROLL.  We practice so in the event of a fire we can act and act quickly.  It becomes muscle memory.  

That’s ok for a fire in a classroom, but what about a fire in real life or a raging storm?  Not necessarily physical one, but one keeping us spinning, looking for answers.

Paul and his companions were trying to make it to Rome, but a fierce storm was at hand causing them to be dangerously close to the rocky shoreline.  They had done all the fighting against it, these seasoned sailors.  The situation was dire, and they knew it.  

Anchors can be used as a parking brake or a drag net.  This time called for the drag net.  They needed to NOT crash against the rocks, but the storm was fierce – enough to have even the sailors afraid.  Out came the anchors, four of them, and they were thrown off the stern.  Can’t you just hear the rattling chains and the kerplunk of each anchor as it was thrown out?

Do you have a storm in your life?  Raging, surging, plummeting you awfully close to menacing rocks?  Are you at the end of your rope, so to speak?  What four anchors can you throw off the stern to keep you anchored in Christ?

How about:

Faith (Mark 11:22).  Stillness (Psalm 46:10).  Worship (Psalm 150).  Read and meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119:11). These come to mind.  As well as prayer (Philippians 4:6), belief (Matthew 6:25-34), pleasing God (Romans 14:18).

What anchors will you drop of the stern of your boat?

Father God, storms are raging, and the shoreline is close.  Instead of fearing I will trust You because You are good.  As I drop my anchors in You, increase their strength and my faith to fully trust and believe in You, Your goodness, Your ways and Your leading.  AMEN