Life is full of stormy weather of varying degrees, from squalls to tsunamis — I’m talking life circumstances, not meteorology. As of this writing, we are all weathering the unique and unanticipated storm of the COVID pandemic. I’ve experienced the exhilaration of clear skies and smooth sailing, and the anxiety and terror of high winds and stormy seas. Through it all, I’ve learned we need to have an anchor in our lives to keep us from being swept away, emotionally and spiritually, throughout all the seasons of our lives. I have found that living grounded in the truths of Jesus has proved to hold strong as an anchor.
It is when we are securely anchored that we can begin to live life to the full — REAL life. This is what Jesus promised when He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Living life on God’s promises/truths will keep us strong and keep us from drifting and help us to rise above the waves of fear, doubt, grief, loss and uncertainty. When we are anchored to Him and His truths, we can endure, we can hold on to hope, and we can experience God’s peace, no matter what the circumstances. I know. I have experienced it.
On the second Tuesday of the month, I will be sharing a truth about Jesus to set in your heart to ponder and meditate on. (It is also available to download as a PDF or as a screensaver). I’m calling these ANCHOR TRUTHS. This week I am sharing one of my favorite truths and the most important one that I have held on to and taught to my children.
Anchor Truth: God Loves You
John 3:16
Did you know that God is “dying” to love on you? He literally sent His son Jesus Christ to die for you so your sins may be forgiven and you will have abundant life now and forever with Him. He wants to be in a close relationship with each one of us, to guide and direct us in the best path specifically planned for each one of us.
I learned this truth during one of the most significant anchor moments of my life. I came to know Jesus when I was twelve years old at a concert in Seattle. I was seated in the front row and my identical twin was seated in the row behind me, unusual for us as we were inseparable and always sat together. What Sara did, I did; I usually followed her lead. But in this most sacred moment I was alone, just me, with my thoughts focused entirely on the musician who was singing and talking about God.
He described how we can enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He explained Him as “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). I had never thought about accepting Jesus and having Him as my friend, and the prospect thrilled me. I had never heard this news before that the Lord Jesus was inviting me into a real and living relationship. I wondered why hadn’t someone told me this sooner? I could hardly contain my excitement. In that moment, sitting by myself, not concerned about Sara or anyone else, I stood up and chose to give my whole heart to follow Him for the rest of my life.
That day marked the beginning of my relationship with Jesus. It is a friendship that has influenced every part of my life: my career choice, my marriage, my volunteer time, and my parenting. Since then, I have come to know God more fully and I have never doubted His love. However, I have often been plenty confused by why things happen the way they do. Many times things have not made sense, and my daughter Karina’s death was one of them. But through the many difficult moments of my daughter’s five-year cancer battle, this Anchor Truth is what enabled Karina and I to stay strong. I knew that His love for me and for her would never fail. God loves you. This is the hope we have secure that anchors us for today and for eternity.
