Anchor of the Soul

Anchored in the Inner Sanctuary

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.”

— Hebrews 6:19–20

Hope in Scripture is not merely a wish—it is a confident expectation grounded in the unchanging character of God. William Barclay notes, “The Christian hope is not escape; it is endurance.” We are not anchored to circumstances, which shift like tides or crumble like sand. Instead, our hope is anchored in God’s promise and God’s character. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), and therefore our hope is solid, steady, and reliable. Jesus Himself—our forerunner—has gone ahead into the holy place, securing our future with God. 

When life shakes us—when prayers seem unanswered, relationships strain, or loss steals our breath—we do not drift. Jesus holds us from the other side of the veil, drawing us near. E. Stanley Jones wrote, “We do not escape the storms of life. We discover the One in the boat.” The Christian life is not a promise of calm seas, but the assurance of Christ’s presence in every wave. Hope does not deny pain; it redefines it. The storm may still rage, the winds may still howl, and the night may still feel long—but hope whispers, “You are not alone, and you are not drifting.” 

Our anchor is fixed in the sanctuary of God, where nothing can break it loose—not sorrow, not loss, not disappointment, not even death. Christ does not simply sympathize from afar; He draws near as Priest, interceding for you; as Advocate, defending you; and as Brother, standing beside you. He speaks your name before the Father with tenderness and authority. As the old hymn reminds 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.”

The One who stilled the sea now stills your soul — not by removing every wave, but by anchoring you to His steady, unbreakable presence.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being our anchor when life grows uncertain and storms rise around us. Fix our hearts where You are—in the presence of the Father. Teach us to rest in Your unchanging love, to trust Your promises, and to wait with patient hope.Hold us firm and secure, today and always. Amen.