Securely Anchored When Life Feels Unsteady - Encouragement for Today - January 16, 2026
Encouragement for Today
Audio By Carbonatix
Crosswalk.com
January 16, 2026
Securely Anchored When Life Feels Unsteady
DORINA LAZO GILMORE-YOUNG
Lee en español
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek” Hebrews 6:19-20 (NLT)
My daughter and I were recently hiking at Yosemite National Park, one of our favorite places to see God’s creation on display. From the valley floor, glorious granite cliffs rose up all around, and we passed some climbers who were scaling one of the epic rock faces. Although the climb looked precarious and we were awed by their courage, we also trusted they were safe because we could see their harnesses.
They were strapped in and tied to an anchor, a secure point of attachment on the rock. Four carabiners (metal fasteners) were clipped into the anchor and connected to ropes securing each person’s harness.
Climbers can trust their anchor to hold them in place. While there is a stretchiness and give to the ropes, allowing climbers to move around, the anchor remains strong and immovable.
The same is true of a ship’s anchor, which is what the author of Hebrews had in mind in the first century when he wrote to encourage believers not to abandon their faith:
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20).
Several keywords are worth paying attention to in this passage, including “strong” and “trustworthy.” These are descriptions of our hope in Jesus. He is steadfast, stable, and secure.
When we are clipped into Him, like those rock climbers connected to their anchor, we can have confidence in His strength. When we spend time with Him, praying and talking to Him regularly, we can see how He is trustworthy.
Are you feeling uncertain about a big decision? Waiting on a diagnosis? Maybe you have had a rough month financially or you are feeling anxiety about this week’s headlines. Jesus is the secure anchor who can hold you in place. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have direct access to our Father in heaven.
Scripture serves almost like the carabiner keeping us connected to our Anchor. When we read the Bible, we are reminded of truth and cling to hope. We can also stay tied to the community of believers who help us remain tethered to Christ.
Jesus came to earth to be our “eternal High Priest” (Hebrews 6:20), reconnecting us to God our Rock — and He holds us steady even when we are climbing uphill.
Dear God, You are the Rock of Ages, the firm Anchor we can trust. Help us stay close to You. Provide a community of friends to hold us accountable and encourage us to abide in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
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In her new Bible study, Redeemer: God’s Lovingkingness in the Book of Ruth, Bible teacher and retreat leader Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young invites us to view the book of Ruth through a different lens — one that helps us recognize how this story proclaims God's heart for the vulnerable. As Ruth's story unfolds, we discover that God is the main character and that He is the true Redeemer for Ruth and for us today.
ENGAGE
Subscribe to Dorina’s weekly Glorygram for encouragement as you learn to feast on God’s glory and flourish in your God-given gifts. Follow her on Instagram @DorinaGilmore for Scripture-inspired truths and daily glimpses of His glory.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Mark 4:37-39, “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” (NIV).
How has Jesus proved to be your anchor and calm in the storm? What feels difficult in your life today that you need to trust Him to take care of?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
