As I continue this blog about my favorite Hymns, it is really a blog about my own
life and the hymns that have impacted my walk with God. This second hymn is titled
simply ‘We have an Anchor’ and as a young boy, and indeed, on into my teenage,
and ‘young-man’ stage in life, I was greatly influenced and strengthened through being
a member of ‘The Boy’s Brigade’ (you might want to google that one)! It was a
uniformed organization for boys and each Friday night we would meet together. We
would open each night by reading a small portion of God’s Word, followed by the
singing of a hymn. One of the most loved hymns is the one I will share with you now.
The words were written by a lady called Priscilla Owens who was a member of
Union Square Methodist Episcopal Church, in Baltimore, Maryland, and was of Scottish
and Welsh heritage. She was a prolific hymn and song writer, leaving us more than 230
of them. This particular one, ‘We have an anchor’, addresses the fact that in our
Christian life we will inevitably encounter many ‘Storms’. But when Jesus provides our
anchor, and is Himself ‘The Rock’ to which that anchor is attached, we have little need
to fear! The phrase ‘grounded firm and deep’ in the chorus, echoes Paul’s writings,
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”, who goes on to tell us that
‘Nothing and No-one Can or Will’. (Rom. 8:35-39).
The chorus of the hymn contains the words ‘Steadfast and Sure’ which is an
integral part of our ‘BB Badge’ (google that too). Priscilla’s words could have been
written specifically for us as ‘Steadfast and Sure’ was our BB Motto. Here is her Hymn:
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain?
(Chorus) -“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the
billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move – Grounded firm and deep in the
Savior’s love.
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. (Chorus)
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear, when the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempests rave and the wild winds blow, not an angry wave shall our bark
o’erflow. (Chorus)
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. (Chorus).
