We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…  Hebrews 6:19

What is an anchor?  Isn’t it something heavy?  Something solid?  We often think of “hope” as something wishful, airy, without much substance – like a feather.  But the Bible doesn’t use the word this way.  Hope isn’t wishful thinking; it gives us something to rest on.

What does an anchor do?  Primarily, it keeps a boat in the right place.  It keeps the boat from drifting away or being pulled by a current into a dangerous place.  It gives the boat captain assurance that the boat won’t be lost.  Our hope in God through Christ (1 Peter 1:21) keeps us from drifting, dissuasion, desperation.

When I am stricken with fear, I remember the hope I have in Christ, who gives us peace with God (Ephesians 2:17-18).  When I burn with indignation at some offense, I remember the hope I have in Christ, who entrusted himself to God who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).  When I prop myself up with pride, I remember the hope I have in Christ, who humbled himself to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-11).

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…  Ephesians 1:18-19

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.  2 Corinthians 3:12