Anchored in Christ
When the storms of life come your way, do their winds have a tendency of blowing you off course or are you able to withstand as a result of being anchored in something firm and secure? Everyone faces hardships in life — even Christians. Sometimes it seems as though people expect the life of a Christian to be “perfect” or exempt from life’s circumstances, but by no means is this the case. However, I do believe we, as Christians, have the ability to withstand because our faith anchors us in Christ.Our faith allows us to view our situations from a different perspective and as a result helps us to respond differently.
For example, while on vacation the weekend of July 4th, I received some bad news concerning the health of a very close loved one who suffered from a stroke. After learning about my family member’s condition at the time, my heart sank and I began to weep. Although grieved by the news I’d just received, I refused to accept that doctor’s report and instead chose to put my trust in God; because my faith tells me He’s in control and has the final say. As a result, I began speaking life over my loved one, praying for divine healing and that God’s will be done. Just moments after praying, I sensed God’s presence and His peace like never before. This situation reminded me that when you become so anchored in Christ and fully trust Him, you can draw whatever it is you need from Him to get through the storms of life — whether it be hope, peace, joy, strength, etc.
So what storm are you facing today? Has it paralyzed you? Has it caused you to lose hope? Have you become discouraged? If this is the case, I encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ instead of focusing on the situation. Once you’ve fixed your eyes on Christ, your current perspective of the situation will change and ultimately the way you respond to it. You will no longer be ruffled by the harsh winds and torrential waves of life, because your new perspective tells you that “…all things work together for the good of those who love Him…” (Romans 8:28).
Anchoring yourself in Christ and fixing your eyes on Him also allows you to view your circumstances through the word of God as opposed to letting your circumstances dictate your faith. So when the doctor diagnoses you with a sickness, instead of becoming worried and letting the illness overtake your body, you’re able to stand firmly on God’s word and declare, “by his stripes [I] am healed” (Isaiah 53:5). If a job layoff occurs, you won’t lose faith but will look to God as your source and believe, “God will supply all of [my] needs according to His riches and glory” (Philippians 4:19). Or when you look up and it seems like everyone around you is getting married, having a baby, getting a promotion, or purchasing a new home you won’t compare your life to theirs and get discouraged because you understand that “there is a time and season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and you trust God’s timing for your life.
So be encouraged and know that you don’t have to face the storms of your life alone. God is there to not only help you endure the storms, but to help you get through them as well. You just have to get anchored in your faith and trust Him. I promise He won’t fail you!
Blessings,
Imanne
Meditation Scriptures:
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” - Hebrews 6:19
“He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:8
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” - Psalm 9:10
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the poser of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13
“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.” - Psalm 147:11
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31