My Anchor Holds

My Anchor Holds

1. Though the angry surges roll
On my tempest driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly though the winds may blow,
I've an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure.

2. Mighty tides about me sweep,
Perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o'ershade the sky,
And the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest's shock,
For my anchor grips the rock.

3. I can feel the anchor fast
As I meet each sudden blast,
And the cable, though unseen,
Bears the heavy strain between;
Through the storm I safely ride,
Till the turning of the tide.

4. Troubles almost 'whelm the soul;
Griefs like billows o'er me roll;
Tempters seek to lure astray;
Storms obscure the light of day:
But in Christ I can be bold,
I've an anchor that shall hold.

Chorus:
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of my father is a firm anchor that I have always been able to depend upon. Just as the song "My Anchor Holds" speaks of the tremendous safety and reliability we find in Christ, I can also relate this to my dad, who often sings this song at church, too.

He has always been there--for my mom, for my brothers, for me. When the hard times come, I know that he will be there with his quiet strength and faith in God to guide our family through it, just like he always has been. He never gives up on God when the going gets tough. I never had to worry if dad was going to come home after work or not, nor if he would come home drunk. Praise the Lord, a drop of alcohol has never touched his lips!! I never wondered IF we were going to go to church or not, that was a given, of course we were going to church, what else was there?!? Special meetings, VBS, Sunday school, Sun. A.M. & P.M., choir practice, Wed.--we never missed! You could always find us right up front, 2nd pew on the piano side. AND I know that if I were with my parents today, that is STILL where I would find them! I can picture them there right now, so vividly! 

My dad is a man who never attended Bible college, or any college, and yet is one of the smartest people I know in the things that count and a true student of God's Word. If you have a ?, my dad will have a chapter and verse. No, he's not a preacher, evangelist, or missionary. He's not famous or rich in worldly goods. To the outside world, he is just an ordinary Joe working a typical job, part of the hardworking middle class. Nothing fancy or eye catching. He often gives me a hard time about my "over-expressiveness" with hand gestures and mouth that runs at one speed--110 mph! I have gotten myself into trouble on numerous occasions for not waiting for him to finish what he was saying before rushing ahead with what I have to say, but I have learned that when I take the time to stop and listen the lessons I learn from him are practical and invaluable. I value his opinion and advice very much, because I know that he speaks from experience and from a Biblical perspective. What a blessing to have such a godly example in my earthly father!
I love my daddy and am sooo thankful to have him for my father and friend!