I am not a sailor and have very seldom been at sea or in a boat. I prefer to be on dry land. However I have ridden in a few ferry boats such as the Staten Island Ferry. Years ago we were on a ferry boat going to Dog Island off the coast of Florida when a mild storm came upon us. We did go through some very nasty waves and the boat rocked, but we were never in danger. However, I have seen movies and read books about severe storms at sea and I am sure that I never want to experience that. So I can't say that I understand what a real storm at sea is really like, but it must be a very dangerous and scary experience. However, all of us have experienced the storms of life which come upon us, often very unexpectedly. Some are mild while many are strong and severe and at times we wonder if we can even avoid drowning. But the child of God does have an anchor that can keep us secure and steadfast as the billows and waves roll. In fact, Hebrews 6:19 reminds us that ""We have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast..." And that anchor is Jesus, the one who demonstrated control over the elements when He was here on earth." It was this verse from Hebrews that is said to have inspired the author of this week's hymn choice to pen the words of this hymn. Priscilla Owens (1829–1907) was a public school teacher in Baltimore for 49 years. She also was a Sunday school teacher at the Union Square Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore. She wrote a number of hymns and songs for her pupils and this is the best one still known today. The music was written by William Kirkpatrick (1838–1921) of Philadelphia who was a member of the same denomination as Owens. He was a prolific writer of hymn tunes and compiler of hymn collections. I am told that this hymn is closely associated with the Boys' Brigade which has the motto, "Sure and Stedfast" Are you experiencing the storms of life right now in your life? Maybe it is a health issue, or a job or financial issue, or problems with a spouse or family member, or feelings of inadequacy or loneliness, or fears about tomorrow. The believer is not immune to these difficult issues and at times our "cables strain". But remember, if you are the Lords, you are fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love. No storm is too difficult for Him to handle. Put your trust in Him.
(1) Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
(2) It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand,
For 'tis well secured by the Savior's hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
(3) It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o'erflow.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
(4) It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love.
Listen to it here. LISTEN
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