WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD (WE HAVE AN ANCHOR)

In the letter to the Hebrews chapter 6 and verse 19, we are confidently assured that, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  It was with the inspiration of this truth that Priscilla Owens was moved to write our hymn for today…WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD or sometimes titled WE HAVE AN ANCHOR.

Priscilla was born in 1829 and became established in her career as a public-school teacher lasting for 49 years.  Yet for more years than that, she was a Sunday School Teacher in her church. 

She often wrote hymns and songs for her pupils using music and poetry to aid in their learning.  Whether it was in teaching about the civil war or teaching biblical truths, her technique in teaching helped her students.  Priscilla’s hymn, WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD, was closely associated with the ministry and goal of Boy’s Brigade founded by Sir William Alexander Smith to build young men for Jesus Christ.

The story is told that when another hymn writer, Mary Fawler Maud, was dying, friends and family standing in support outside her door began to sing WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD.  Blessed by these words, and before she passed, Mary sent the singers a wonderful message.  She said “Tell them that it (my anchor), does not fail – it HOLDS!” 

In the storms of life, we can be assured that we have an anchor that will not fail!  WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD?