Dear friends in Christ,

We all know that we live in a world that is increasingly unstable with culture shifts, economic pressures, family struggles, and unrest in our nation and world. We see and feel these struggles in our congregations too with aging memberships, financial struggles, and cultural pressures. In the midst of all of this, where do we turn? The author of Hebrews writes, “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 6:19–20, ESV).

Jesus Christ is our anchor. This anchor is not optimism or wishful thinking. It is rooted in the finished work of Christ — His perfect life, His atoning death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection. Jesus has entered the heavenly sanctuary for us and because of this, our hope is connected firmly to Him. The storms of life, both personal ones and ones in our homes and congregations, may rage around us, but the anchor holds.

This anchor is why we return to church each week, because we hear about the anchor and our faith is strengthened through Word and Sacrament. This anchor is why we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, because in the pages of Scripture we see the story of God’s saving work. May we cling to this anchor every day.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In ev’ry high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
“My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” (LSB 575:2)

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, grant us grace to cling to You in every storm, that we may hold fast to Your promises in faith and hope; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

In Christ,

Rev. Samuel M. Powell
Third Vice President
Missouri District