A newsboy, thinly clad and drenched by the soaking rain, stood shivering in a doorway one cold day in November. First one bare foot and then the other was lifted for a moment and pressed against his leg to get a little warmth. Every few minutes his shrill cry could be heard. “Morning paper! Morning paper!” A man who was well protected by his coat and umbrella stopped to buy the early edition. Noting the boy’s discomfort, he said, “This kind of weather is pretty hard on you, isn’t it?” Looking up with a smile, the youngster replied, “I don’t mind too much, Mister. The sun will shine again.”
What a picture of the Christian life! Chilling winds of adversity and grey skies of a sinful environment can easily discourage us. But we know God is working in our lives. How fitting that this hope is called an “anchor of the soul”! The Bible says that this hope abides (1 Corinthians 13:13) and does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). It promises righteousness (Galatians 5:5), eternal life (Titus 1:2), and return of Jesus (Titus 2:13). It is a “living hope,” founded on the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).
Are you in a prison of circumstances beyond your control? Do the pressures sometimes overwhelm you? Remember, Jesus died for you. He is working in you, and He will never leave you. Hold fast to God’s promises and patiently endure. The “anchor of hope” will hold you firm. – Dennis J. De Haan
Tempters seek to lure astray,
Storms that obscure the light of day;
But in Christ I can be bold –
I’ve an anchor that shall hold. – Martin
It is always darkest just before dawn.
- June 15, 1987, Our Daily Bread
For You 