Will Your Anchor Hold

We Have an Anchor

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?
Refrain:
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.
Though the tempest rage and the wild winds blow, not an angry wave shall our boat o'erflow.

Author: Priscilla J. Owens (1882)

Hope That Holds in the Storm

The beloved gospel hymn "We Have an Anchor" written by Priscilla Jane Owens in 1882, draws heavily on maritime metaphors to describe the believer's absolute security in Christ amidst the trials of life.

It Is Safely Moored

The state of being "safely moored" speaks to the permanent, settled position of the believer in Christ. The anchor is not loose, drifting, or uncertain—it is fixed and secure.

This mooring speaks to the establishment of one's faith. Our Lord Jesus Christ promised His disciples: The boat does not shift restlessly; it is held by something greater than circumstance.

For ’Tis Well-secured By The Savior's

This line identifies the source of security: the hand of Jesus Christ Himself. The image of God's hand throughout Scripture conveys both protection and power. Consider these powerful declarations:

The Savior's hand is not weak or temporary in its grip; it is the hand of Almighty God. No circumstance, no force, no storm can wrest the believer from His grasp.

Peter experienced this reality when he began to sink during the storm on Galilee: "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him… The Savior's hand reaches out and upholds.

"Though the tempest rage and the wild winds blow"

The hymn acknowledges the ferocity of life's trials with unflinching honesty. The "tempest" and "wild winds" are not minor disturbances, they are violent, powerful, destructive forces. This reflects the biblical reality that believers do face genuine hardship.

The rage of the tempest does not diminish the grip of the Savior's hand.

Not An Angry Wave Shall Our Boat O'erflow

This final assertion is the supreme proclamation of safety, that the very waters which appear most threatening cannot breach the vessel's hull. The "angry wave" symbolizes the most overwhelming circumstances, yet the promise is absolute: the boat will not overflow, will not sink, will not be submerged.

The mention of raging tempests and wild winds acknowledges the reality of human suffering and spiritual warfare. The Bible does not promise a voyage without storms, but it promises preservation through them. The assurance that not an angry wave shall overflow the boat echoes through the scriptures, which asserts that we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Though the waves may crash and the wind may howl, the boat does not sink because the Savior’s grip is tighter than the storm's pull. The "overflow" represents total defeat or spiritual drowning, which is rendered impossible for the one held fast by the grace of Christ.

Are You Anchored In Jesus 

If you are not anchored in Jesus, your anchor will not hold. When the storm hits and it will every other hope will snap: your goodness, your religion, your plans, your strength. But the truth is that the storm does not care about your efforts, and the waves will eventually overwhelm any anchor forged by human hands. If you are not anchored in Jesus Christ, your anchor will not hold. But if you cast the anchor of your soul into Him who died for your sins and rose again, you are safe forever. Trust Him now. Cling to Jesus Christ alone. For only in Him is there a harbor that no wave can breach, a hand that no tempest can loosen, and a promise that death itself cannot break.