We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Heb. 6:19)

My parents and I visited my brother and his wife in western Michigan this June, and on our first full day there, we took a day trip to Grand Haven, where we visited Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer and Inner Lighthouses. Last summer, I wrote a blog post about my fascination with lighthouses and all they represent for me as a Christian, and these lighthouses were no exception.

Painted bright red, they are located on the south pier where the Grand River enters Lake Michigan. The inner lighthouse is tall and cylindrical and what we picture when we think of a lighthouse. The outer lighthouse looks like a little square barn and sits right at the end of the pier. Originally, the outer lighthouse contained a foghorn to warn sailors they were approaching land when the fog was so heavy the light could not be seen.

A scenic boardwalk runs for several miles along Grand River, bringing locals and tourists alike to the area, and these lighthouses are some of the most photographed ones in Michigan. Fun artwork and quaint shops line the boardwalk for those out sightseeing, while those interested in fishing can do so from the north pier just across the river.

As I took it all in, I noticed a large art anchor set up on a hilltop across the river. In the nautical world, an anchor is firmly planted in the ocean or lake floor, giving stability to the ship, especially during a storm. Dropping anchor keeps the ship from drifting.

In the Bible, the anchor is used as a symbol of hope and steadfastness because it represents something stable and secure. For the Christian, our anchor is Jesus, in whom we put our hope for eternal life. We are tethered to him, just as the ship is tethered to the anchor. When we feel ourselves drifting, we can “drop anchor” by praying and reading our Bibles or any other activity that draws us close to him. When the storms of life rage around us, we can remember that he is a steady and faithful presence who will steady us and not leave us to face the storms on our own.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the anchor that gives us hope. Thank you for providing stability during the storms of life. When the waters around us are raging, help us to remember that we are anchored in you. Amen.