Anchor Down

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither-whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Psalm 1:1-4

First off, about the title. No, not talking about Vanderbilt here. (Although I AM a fan, much to the chagrin of many in my family. If any of you family members need to know what chagrin means, just let me know *snicker*.)

I'm thinking rather of an actual anchor, used to hold a ship in place, regardless of the tempest around it. We have had some rather extreme situations put upon the world in the last few weeks, and it's easy to be swept up in the chaos. (But hording toilet paper?? Really?? Come on!)

The trouble in going with the chaos is that once you give in to it, it will carry you wherever it wants to, spinning round and round like a whirlpool and sucking you down, everything moving so fast there's nothing to grab hold of. We need to drop anchor, and not be tossed by the waves around us.

So what do we anchor ourselves to? Obviously, not anything of the world. By this, I mean money, power, ego, politics, absolutely nothing that is man created or man perpetuated is immune form the turmoil in our world, not now, never before, and will not be after. All these things are temporary and have no real substance. (All is vanity-Ecclesiastes) (Heaven and Earth shall pass away - Mark 13:31)

So what do we hold on to?The rest of that verse in Mark gives the answer: "but my words shall not pass away". Is this just referring to what Jesus spoke? No, not just this, because Jesus IS the living, breathing Word of God. He is eternal, He is steadfast. He is our rock and mighty fortress. If we hold on to Him, though life be whirling like a tornado around us, we can make it through. Psalm 91 has been popping up a lot lately in response to this crises, and I've gone to it often myself in times of trouble. I would suggest, when life seems out of hand to anchor down and pray this Psalm for yourself and those around you. You may be surprised at the peace there is in giving God control, and putting yourself in His hands. They are strong enough to hold you and gentle enough to love you.

As a last note, I listened to a little bit of Don Finto's message last Sunday from Belmont Fellowship. He said there is bad news and good news. The bad news is, there are bad things happening around us. The good news is, there are also GOOD things happening around us! And God lets those grow together, until He separates the wheat from the weeds. (Matthew 13:30) So hold on, there is also goodness out there.

Also- Go 'Dores!