An Anchor for the Soul – Hebrews 6:19-20

As for the nature and use of an anchor, it is to hold fast the ship whereunto it doth belong, and to keep it steady. And it is principally of use at two seasons: (1.) In storms and tempests, when the art and skill of the mariners are overcome by the fierceness of the wind and sea so that they cannot steer the ship in its right course, nor preserve it from rocks or shelves. Then is an anchor cast out; which, if it have the properties here mentioned, will hold fast and retain the ship in safety against all outward violence. (2.) When ships are in their harbor, that they may not be tossed up and down at uncertainty, that men may attend their occasions and not be driven to and fro with every wind, an anchor is cast to keep the vessel steady unto its posture. There are therefore two things supposed in this allusion: (1.) That the souls of believers are sometimes exposed unto storms; and a stress of spiritual dangers, persecutions, afflictions, temptations, fears, sin, death, and the law, do make up these storms that ofttimes beat upon them. The ordinary occasions of this life, and our duties towards God and men therein, are like the tradings of ships in their harbor; for therein also a good and sure anchor is necessary for them, the neglect of the use whereof hath proved ruinous to many. And without that which spiritually answers thereunto, we shall fluctuate up and down in all that we do and be in continual hazard of ruin. In these seasons “hope,” as before described, is the “anchor of the soul. – John Owen