“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.”- Hebrews 6:19 (ESV)
In Chapter 9 (“The Anchoring Effect”) of If, Mark Batterson discusses what psychologists refer to as the “anchoring effect”- our tendency to rely too heavily on the first fact or first impression. Once we are anchored to a fact or impression, it becomes the baseline for our decision making.
Referencing Hebrews 6:19, Pastor Batterson notes that the writer speaks of hope as an anchor- a powerful as if. A ship’s anchor isn’t used just to keep the ship from drifting. When an anchor is thrown in front of a ship, it enables the ship to navigate through treacherous channels. The nautical term for this is kedging– the picture painted by the writer of Hebrews.
For better or worse, where you drop anchor determines the outcome. Mark states that fear gives weight to things that don’t deserve it. Faith, on the other hand, is being sure of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:1). Pastor Batterson adds:
“If gratitude is thanking God for things after they happen, then faith is thanking God for things before they happen.”
Anchoring your emotions to your circumstances creates a yoyo effect- up and down, up and down. When your emotions are anchored to the cross. the cross becomes your fixed point of peace- a steadfast anchor. Mark summarizes:
“If you want the peace that passes understanding to guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7), you’ve got to stay anchored to the right things.”
Today’s question: Following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss, how has Christ been your steadfast anchor? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Response-ability”
