January 3, 2013
Transformational Thought
Have you ever noticed these natural human phenomena? As a deadline approaches, we tend to go more quickly. When we get lost, we start driving faster. When we don’t know what we are talking about, we begin to talk faster and louder. Lewis Carroll of Alice in Wonderland fame captured this behavior saying, “The faster I go, the behinder I get.”
During severe storms, one of the best actions we can take is to drop anchor. An anchor wedges itself deep into the rocks and sand. It protects the vessel and crew from being set dangerously adrift, being tossed back and forth due to the winds and waves … and possibly crashing into the rocks. In our personal storms and most stressful moments, we need to be anchored securely … not in transient, feelings, wishes and hopes … but deeply secured in God’s rock-solid character and promises.
Satan wants us to run blindly toward false, hollow deathtraps masquerading as truth and refuge during the frequent storms that come our way. God’s promises, character, instruction, and Word anchor us to Him and equip us to be steady in every storm. We can be victorious in any challenge that Satan brings and God allows (yes, He does allow every trial) in our life so that we grow the mind of Christ within us.
Our problem is that we are suckers for the “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality. It says we should anchor to ourselves or to the world’s system so we can immediately achieve what we want. We often think we have more power than we really do. We think we know all the answers. Or we see something pretty and shiny that we want, believing it is the answer. So, we chase Starbuck’s, the latest self-help fad, nutritional supplements, more money, alcohol, a drug, a pain pill, one last bite, more control, that significant other who is an answer-to-my-dreams, or even nice things like education, employment, or family. The only reliable place to drop anchor in a storm … is in Him.
Listen up! Having the ability to believe … truly believe so it shapes your thoughts and actions … what the Bible teaches about pain is one of the most important set of instructions we can ever learn. God provides a peace. He doesn’t give us more pain than we can endure. He hooks up to our yoke to lighten our burden. He grows us through these trials. And He provides the Great Comforter.
Today, take comfort in knowing that you have a secure place to drop anchor when storms threaten your peace and stability. When you face uncertainty or discomfort … just STOP and THINK. What does God promise or say in these kinds of situations? We may not know what the future holds for us. But He does and we can rest in the knowledge that we are safest when we’re anchored to God. Look at the optional anchors you can choose. Be honest with yourself about the safety they offer. If you or a loved one are in an acute storm and need treatment options, call our helpline now (844) 543-3242. We will find you some immediate safety so you can anchor into God in a practical way. The anchor you choose is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You for being the God of all hope. You know the desires and secret fears of my heart … You know when I am in the midst of a terrible storm. I thank You, Father, for all Your promises and Your steadfastness during my storms. Thank You for being my refuge, my rock, my place to drop anchor. When I drop anchor on my own skills, or the world’s wishy-washy answers, my life starts to spiral out of control. Today I cast all my hopes and dreams onto You for safekeeping because I trust You. I pray in the name of the one You sent to be my anchor, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Psalm 33:21