Anchors in the Storm

The word ‘anchor’:

• Brings a measure of stability

• A sense of trust

• The feeling of hope

In the midst of a storm, one who sails a ship

faces serious challenges.

However, his trust rests safely in the anchor . . . and in the

cable that connects the anchor to the ship.

Storms, or obstacles in life, may be small or large –

a small squall or a raging category five hurricane.

What do we do when the storms of life come upon us?

• We are disappointed or discouraged

• We suffer betrayal

• We have an incurable disease

• We lose a child

• We lose our mate

Identifying Specific Anchors

Anchor # 1

Grasp the hand of God in prayer.

When we release our burdens in prayer, we have

a sense of calm and hope, “the peace of God, which

surpasses all understanding.”

Philippians 4:7

Peter said we should, “cast our cares upon Him” because He cares for us.”

1 Peter 5:7

Anchor #2

Rely on those who love us.

Rely on God

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”

Romans 8:32

Rely on Family

David went successfully against Goliath, but later in life needed

friends and family to defeat four giants.

2 Samuel 21:15-22

Anchor # 3

Embrace the humbling that comes with the storm.

The storms of life – sudden illness, an unstable marriage,

loss of job, loss of a loved one – are humbling experiences.

Paul was humbled with a “thorn in the flesh,

a messenger of Satan.” He prayed three times that God

would remove the affliction.

2 Corinthians 12:7

God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect

in weakness”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Anchor # 4

Acknowledge God’s power and the power of His word.

God’s words lifted these men:

• Job acknowledged the power of God’s spoken word (Job 42:2)

• Samuel acknowledged God’s words (1 Samuel 8:7)

• Elijah acknowledged God’s words in the form of a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own

understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct

your paths”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Anchor # 5

Thank God for all things.

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in

Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Anchor # 6

Imagine the beauties of life eternal.

By nature, we tend to focus on things we

see, touch, taste, smell, and feel.

God wants us to focus on heaven.

“We do not look at the things that are seen, but the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things

which are not seen are eternal”

2 Corinthians 4:18

When the storms of life threaten to sink us physically, emotionally, and spiritually,

let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Anchor # 7

Allow God to lift you above the storm.

“The eagle does not escape the storm . . . it rises on the winds

that bring the storm . . . it simply uses the storm to

lift it higher.”

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with

wings like eagles”

Isaiah 40:31

Anchor # 8

Meditate on the lessons to be learned.

Take inventory:

• How did I handle this obstacle emotionally?

• How were my relationships with others affected?

• How did this storm affect me spiritually?

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the

testing of your faith works patience. But let patience have its perfect

work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4

What do we do when the storms of life come upon us?

• Disappointment or discouragement

• Depression

• Betrayal

• An incurable disease

• Loss of mate

• Loss of child

The value of anchors:

Grasp – Rely – Embrace –

Acknowledge – Thank –

Imagine – Allow – Meditate

The GREAT I AM is our anchor!

He gives us peace in the midst of a storm.