Promises Aweigh? Never!

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil.

Hebrews 6:19

Most people are familiar with the fight song of the United States Naval Academy, “Anchors Aweigh.” Fewer are familiar with the meaning of aweigh. An anchor is “aweigh” when it has been lifted off the seabed and is suspended in midwater. The call “Anchors aweigh” is given to signal that the ship is free to move; it is no longer tethered to the seabed.

One phrase you will never hear—or should never hear—called out from a biblical pulpit is “Promises aweigh!” That would mean that our spiritual anchor—the hope we have in the person and promises of God through Jesus Christ—was changing position. The writer to the Hebrews says that our hope is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). And what is our hope? It is twofold: the promise and oath of God Almighty (Hebrews 6:17). In other words, our hope is in God’s character and His Word. Because God is true, His Word is true and can never be broken—so said Jesus Christ in John 10:35.

Regardless of how circumstances move about you, you will never hear, “Promises aweigh!” God’s promises are “both sure and steadfast,” an anchor for your soul.

Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death.

WILLIAM GURNALL