I suspect every generation might have said we live in stressful times, and how can it get worse. There is the ebb and flow of continual change which all of us face. The time also comes as we get older when “the optimism of youth” gives way to “the reality and concern” of maturity. The older we get the more angst we experience.
As I thought about our changing times and the national polarity which seems to be pulling us apart, my mind went back to the lyrics of an old hymn I enjoy, entitled, Will My Anchor Hold? The writer picks up the image of a ship on stormy water and the absolute necessity of a secure anchor—it is quite easy to make a significant spiritual application.
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
All of us wish for “peaceful waters” in everyday living, but real life is not often like that for any extended period of time. Something will come to “stir up the waters” of every day living. It might be health issues where one trip to the doctor turns your world upside down. Or you find yourself in a broken relationship not of your choosing or desire, but it has happened and you find yourself a single parent. Or the economy has slowed and you find yourself without a job with an uncertain future at best. Or bad habits and behaviors have finally caught up with you and you find yourself or someone you care about sentenced to time in prison. Like the phrase from another song—“….when the world you have been living in comes crashing at your feet.”
All of us face such times when our faith is tested. You ask yourself on what will your faith rely? Will the “anchor” of your heart hold firm when “the storm clouds of life” unfold their wings of strife? Yes, it will. The answer—your heart is “safely moored” by the Savior’s hand. “The cables passed from His heart to mine can defy the blast, through strength divine.” There is the strength to “weather the storm.” We have an anchor that keeps the soul.
Onesimus Ministries is committed to the task of helping men and women find a heart and life change which will profoundly impact their life and living. In v. 11 in the Apostle Paul’s letter to Philemon he asks his friend Philemon to accept back a servant of his who had stolen from him and wronged him. Paul had the occasion while in prison to introduce Onesimus to the life changing good news of God’s forgiving grace. Paul asks Philemon to accept him back as a brother in the Lord.
“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, (name means “useful”) who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me….I am sending him back to you……no longer as a slave, but as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a dear brother in the Lord.” Philemon 10-16
Onesimus Ministries seeks to encourage our local churches to receive and assist men and women who are experiencing a life change and becoming “useful” members of our communities.