This HOPE [this CONFIDENT ASSURANCE] WE HAVE AS AN ANCHOR OF THE SOUL [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], Hebrews 6:19 AMP
THIS HOPE IS A SAFE ANCHOR FOR OUR SOULS. IT WILL NEVER MOVE. This hope goes into the Holiest Place of All behind the curtain of heaven. Hebrews 6:19 NLV
Today, Storm Barra, the second major storm of winter is passing through Ireland. The storm has eased somewhat and we trust the worst has passed, despite a power outage. Storms test things in greater measure than day to day life. Weaknesses may be exposed and repairs needed after the storms have passed.
The verse in Hebrews 6:19 prompted a lady called Priscilla Owens, a Sunday school teacher in Baltimore, Maryland to write a famous hymn in 1882;
“Will Your Anchor Hold”, or “We Have an Anchor”.
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
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.
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.
24 ‘“‘The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face towards you
and give you peace.’”
27 ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’ Numbers 6