For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Col 2:5

There are three types of anchors we would like to discuss today, and a fourth we encourage you to personally deploy. The first anchor we know is the heavy metal one used to stabilize boats or ships. A second type has to do with a psychological term. A “neurological anchor” is used to describe an automatic response to a particular stimulation. For example, at the sound and sight of an approaching fire truck, we are conditioned to immediately pull our vehicle over to the side of the road. The third type of anchor exists not as a material substance, or a mental reaction, but as an attitude stronghold or “happy or miserable anchor.” Here are two stories, one built on the other, to help understand the practical value of choosing to carry a “happy rather than unhappy anchor.”

Before you doze off, the first story is about my wife’s wonderful response to my snoring. Cynthia told me one morning that I had snored loudly during the previous night AND, during that time, she was so pleased. Why? Because to her, it meant I was getting a great night’s sleep! Just for the record, if she had been the “snorer” during the night, my not so happy options would have been to wake her, get up and move to another location, implant ear plugs, or submerge myself in pillows until deaf. The “happy anchor” was her perspective with regard to my snoring. The fact she was truly pleased by what people generally regard as annoying awakened me to a new reality. It didn’t end there. The next episode is where real application worked for me.

Some time later, our plan was to gear up for a bike ride down in the Cape Cod area. When I woke up and looked outside it was pouring rain. Fresh off my wife’s “happy anchor” attitude regarding my snoring, I found myself interpreting this weather condition in a far different way than I would have otherwise. Thoughts like “more drinking water,” “free lawn sprinkling, and “at least the ducks are happy”, held me firm and secure rather than annoyed with it all.

I pray that we all carry a “happy anchor” with us this week. Trust me, it worked wonders for the time I could have been knocked off course with what seemed like an unfortunate condition that soaked the plans of our day. By the way, since then the sun has shone, outdoor activity has taken place, and to set things straight, we realize that it rained because God has a more comprehensive recreational plan; one not to distress, but to bless our life abundantly. You see, the Ultimate Weather Man happens to love us.

The fourth anchor is the most enduring of all. The Bible says the hope we have in Christ is the anchor of our soul. It is believed this scripture inspired the State seal of Rhode Isand, shown here, founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a Christian minister.

So family and friends, as we move toward the port of victory this week, let’s trust the strong anchoring hold of our Lord, and enjoy the tide of hope that rises up within us.

Heb 6:19; Prov 3:5-6; Phil 4:13