September 18

Anchoring in the Storm

Psalm 89

It’s been a long time since Stamford had a Hurricane warning. But I remember in the 80’s we had several of them. In fact I was standing in the church parking lot when the eye of hurricane Gloria passed over head.
When the warnings of an approaching hurricane go out, people start to prepare, windows get taped, canned goods are purchased, flashlights are tested, and fresh water is stored up. But those who feel most uneasy with the oncoming storm are boat owners. They try to figure out the best way to protect their vessels.
If you go down to Stamford harbor, one sight you won't see is people tying boats to trees on shore. If you tie a boat to land during a hurricane it will be smashed into kindling wood. The only hope is to anchor deep. Place the anchor in a solid location, leave the rope slack, and hope for the best.

That is exactly what Psalm 89 is all about. This is a group of individuals living in a storm. They are captives in Babylon and the storm they are facing is a category 5 hurricane. What do they do? They check the anchor points. They need to anchor deeply, because this is a storm greater than any they have ever faced in life.

Psalm 89:35-37
Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness-- and I will not lie to David--
that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun;
it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.

When facing the storm the only place to anchor is in the promises of God. This promise in Psalm 89 is one of the greatest found in the Bible. It says that even if we mess up big time God is faithful. Even if we forsake God’s laws, violate his decrees, fail a 1000 times to keep our end of the agreement... God will never abandon us!! WOW!!! As long as there are seasons God will keep his promise.

Are the storm clouds forming on your horizon? Is the water rising? Are the trees beginning to bend? It is time to check the anchor points. Are you anchored on the solid rock or are you anchored to an insecure location.

There is an anchor point firm enough to secure you through the storm... THE PROMISES OF GOD. Trust them, anchor in them, rely upon them, and hold onto them as if your very life depends on it.