I often find that New Year is a good time to look back and reflect on the year that is past.
So, how was 2025 for you? If your year was anything like mine, there were the good things as well as the not so good.
In all honesty, I expect that 2026 will be much the same. The mixture of good and the not so good. The challenge that many of us face is “how do we get through the not so good?” There is a verse I have been reflecting on recently that says;
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
(Hebrews 6 vs. 19 – NKJV
I confess, as a former member of the Boys Brigade, I had to force myself not to burst forth into song!!!
What I appreciate about this verse is that it does not deny the storms—it assumes them but offers the hope we need to stand through them. Anchors are only necessary when waters are rough or currents are strong. An anchor doesn’t stop the storm; it prevents the ship from drifting. When external storms shake us, the hope we have keeps our inner foundations secure.
The words, sure and steadfast emphasise stability, certainty and reliability. The hope we have is not weak but, holds under pressure.
So, what is the hope that the writer of Hebrews is speaking about? Well, the rest of the verse helps us to identify the hope. It points us to Jesus. Because of Jesus life, death and resurrection we have a hope that can never fail. In other words, our anchor is not dropped into the shifting sands of this world but is fastened in heaven.
Living an anchored life does not mean ignoring pain or pretending that faith removes our struggles. It means returning, again and again, to the truth of God’s promises—especially when feelings or circumstances suggest otherwise.
Whatever 2026 holds for you, may your life be truly anchored – steadfast and sure whilst the billows roll!!!
