Don’t Drop Your Anchor
I am a sucker for a good useless fact or interesting bit of knowledge. Even if they don’t really benefit me much, I still love watching random youtube videos explaining the ins and outs of historical events, intriguing people, and obscure things. One recent bit of information I came across got me really thinking.
The video was on the way modern anchors on massive ships actually work. Contrary to popular belief the anchor on large ships, weighing around 40,000lbs or more, isn’t enough on its own to keep a 17,000 ton cruise ship (yes, that’s about 13million pounds) from floating away.
So, how does an anchor work? The key to an anchor’s stopping power isn’t found in itself, but in its chain.
When a ship drops its anchor into the depths, the anchor flukes dig into the seabed finding something to grab onto. But this wouldn’t be nearly enough to keep 17,000 tons from continuing to glide through water. As the chain is lowered in, it slowly begins to fall like a long rope onto the seabed, creating friction and adding tons of weight to the already heavy anchor. The chain's weight on the seabed creates a drag and holds the ship against wind and current. As the ship moves, the chain stretches out, and its weight absorbs the energy from waves and gusts without the anchor breaking free. In short, the chain is the real strength of an anchor.
In most cases, an anchor’s chain is heavier than the anchor itself. In fact, on some aircraft carriers, each link weighs 500lbs, making the total weight of the chain significantly heavier than the anchor itself.
So, why are we talking maritime logistics in a blog meant for spiritual growth and discipleship? Because many of us go through our lives incorrectly identifying what holds us stranded in the dark depths of spiritual decay.
I am as guilty as anyone. For years I thought I knew my problems well. I would drop my “anchor”, if you will, into people, things, and endeavors that were unfruitful, irresponsible, and downright sinful. I was convinced that the anchors I dropped would just as easily be pulled up as they were dropped down. I was sadly mistaken.
Pulling the anchor in is always harder than letting it down.
I was tricked; deceived into thinking I could easily reel my anchors back in — I was so wrong. I never calculated the weight of the chains that slowly dropped in, the longer I stayed hooked.
The further I allowed my anchors to drop, the heavier they became. The links of my chains would begin reaching the depths, causing friction, heaviness, and an incredibly strong stopping power to any momentum I had in my relationship with Jesus and others.
Every little compromise and step that I took in the wrong direction was another link added to the chain that held me down. Before I knew it, I was stranded, lost, and in need of a chain-breaker.
Maybe you have heard that title before — “chain-breaker.”
It’s definitely fitting for the King of Glory. His Word says, “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.” - Psalm 107:13-14
In my darkest hour I ran to the altars. I begged the Chain Breaker to free me and set me firmly within His will. He lifted the weight I couldn’t fathom lifting. He established me as a new man and restored me into His peace. I love how Psalm 23:3 says it.
“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” - Psalm 23:3
Don’t let the anchors of your life drop into people, things, or endeavors that lead to spiritual decay.
Since this is a men’s blog I think it right to challenge you with love and hope on my heart.
Let me ask you, have you properly calculated the weight of your chains? Do you have vices that you think you can easily break? Have you placed anchors in places you shouldn’t? Maybe you downplayed the weight. Maybe you assumed you could just pick up, reel it in, and move on whenever you were ready.
My friend, it’s time to ask God to break the chains. You won’t be able to to do it alone. If your anchor is fixed in the wrong place, God can still set you free.
If you are currently free but testing the waters in a place you shouldn’t, you can still turn back. That immorality won’t be a one-time occurrence. That affair won’t be a small thing. The lies and secrets of a hidden addiction won’t ever be worth what you get in return. You won’t feel resolve after taking revenge. You won’t be free if you harbor unforgiveness, operate in pride, give yourself to lust, or succumb to your depression. Don’t drop your anchor.
If you need help walking through a difficult season where your anchor has been set or you’re about to make a decision you will regret, please know you are not alone. There is help available. The men of Legacy are here to help you. Reach out to our staff for counseling, resources, and camaraderie.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
- Psalm 46:1