ANCHORED IN THE STORM!

What does it mean to be “anchored”? Merriam Webster defines the word 'anchor' as something that serves to hold an object firmly. In 2020 the enemy came in like a flood and was prepared to take me out to sea and not only drown me but my entire family…But God! I can remember in the early days of that season, God whispering to me “Hold on, it will feel like you are drowning but drop your anchor and trust Me”. That was one of the most difficult things for me to do because it meant I had to take my hands off the situation, be still and wait for His instructions. So, I waited and listened carefully even though I was not happy about it, but I knew in my heart that my life, family and marriage depended on me waiting for Him. In doing so, I learned what it meant to be truly anchored in God and gleaned some valuable lessons in the midst of the storm.

1. Being “anchored” doesn't make the storm disappear. It means God guides you through it. Sometimes with very clear instructions and other times not so clear instructions. Sometimes He tells why He is asking you to do something and other times He doesn't...we just have to trust Him. 

2. While “anchored” we can be honest about how we feel. God is not offended when we disagree or dislike His instructions, react in our humanness, or have mustard seed sized faith...that is all He needs (Matthew 17:20)!

3. Being “anchored” requires surrender (letting go of our need to control outcomes) and trusting in His sovereignty. This kind of anchoring is an act of faith, choosing to believe that God is working even when we cannot see or feel it. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We don’t have to navigate the storm alone; instead, we need, only, to bring it to Him.

4. When we are “anchored”, the fight is not ours but His. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” (Mark 4:39). Even when it seems like God is silent, He is not absent. His authority over the storms of our lives assures us that nothing we face is beyond His control.

When the storms of life are raging, anchor yourself in God and He will keep you from going under! 

~Line Osias-Cayenne