THE ANCHOR HOLDS

Over a century ago much of this country's economy depended upon the sea.  Without radar and all the technological improvements that we have today, shipping and fishing were very dangerous occupations.  Storms and waves created many shipwrecks and many sailors and fishermen lost their lives while trying to earn a living using the sea.  That is probably why so many hymns written at that time used a nautical theme to share an important message.  Last week this blog featured Rescue The Perishing and this week we feature another nautical based hymn, My Anchor  Holds.  The writer, William Martin was a Baptist pastor who served at least five different churches in New England, Indiana and Florida. He was also a hymn writer who penned these words in 1902. We don't know much more about him except that he died at the relatively young age of fifty.  The music was added by Daniel B. Towner.  Once again I could not find anything about what stirred Martin to write these words, but possibly it was hearing of many tragedies caused by the turbulent seas or as a result of experiencing rough seas in his own personal life.  Now all of us face treacherous storms during our lives and we need a secure anchor to get through those times.  I, too, have faced such storms in my life - the emergency surgery on our baby, the death of my mother in an auto accident, the death of my brother, my diagnosis of cancer, and others - but the Lord was my anchor in those times.  As I look back I remember the peace, strength and wisdom that He gave me during those personal storms that threatened to pull me under.  I'm sure that you've had similar experiences. And the verses and choruses of this hymn remind us of those times when the angry surges rolled and the storms and gale force winds threatened to destroy our small bark.   But by God's grace our anchor held and it always will hold no matter how rough the waves. In Christ we can be bold, for our anchor holds.  Surely Christ is the answer for the safety and security of our soul.  I trust that He is your anchor and security.

(1)   Though the angry surges roll

On my tempest driven soul,

I am peaceful, for I know,

Wildly though the winds may blow,

I've an anchor safe and sure,

That can evermore endure.

And it holds, my anchor holds:

Blow your wildest, then, O gale,

On my bark so small and frail;

By His grace I shall not fail,

For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.

(2)   Mighty tides about me sweep,

Perils lurk within the deep,

Angry clouds o'ershade the sky,

And the tempest rises high;

Still I stand the tempest's shock,

For my anchor grips the rock.

And it holds, my anchor holds:

Blow your wildest, then, O gale,

On my bark so small and frail;

By His grace I shall not fail,

For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.

(3)    I can feel the anchor fast

As I meet each sudden blast,

And the cable, though unseen,

Bears the heavy strain between;

Through the storm I safely ride,

Till the turning of the tide

And it holds, my anchor holds:

Blow your wildest, then, O gale,

On my bark so small and frail;

By His grace I shall not fail,

For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.

(4)   Troubles almost 'whelm the soul;

Griefs like billows o'er me roll;

Tempters seek to lure astray;

Storms obscure the light of day:

But in Christ I can be bold,

I've an anchor that shall hold.

And it holds, my anchor holds:

Blow your wildest, then, O gale,

On my bark so small and frail;

By His grace I shall not fail,

For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.

I have always enjoyed this song, not only because of its message, but because of the moving bass part in the chorus.  You can listen to that here.    LISTEN

On a personal note, thank you for visiting this blog.  By the time you read this, the total number of visits to this blog will have surpassed 100,000!  I am amazed that what started out as a hobby to share with a few close friends has turned into a ministry with 700-800 visits each week.  Thank you, too, to those who have left comments sharing how various blogs and hymns have spoken to your personal needs. You have encouraged me. When I feel like quitting, your visits and comments keep me going.  Thank you!