A book called Nudge, a social economic book, studies how and why people think the way they do (and how to change their thinking). Everyone starts with an anchor and adjusts from there in a new direction.
In other words, if you’re learning something new, you start with what you already know. If you love geraniums, then you might want to learn more about pelargoniums (every geranium is a pelargonium, but not every pelargonium is a geranium).
You know you can break off any piece of a geranium, put it in good soil and keep it watered, and it will grow. That’s your anchor knowledge. If it works for a geranium, then it would probably work for any pelargonium. Worth a try, right? That’s the adjustment of thinking, based on your anchor.
Let’s take that concept to a spiritual level.
Scripture is our anchor. If we anchor our thoughts to the Bible, then as we adjust our thinking, it is firmly tied to “right” thinking. A wise and wonderful and healthy way of thinking.
Here’s my real-life example: as my son is on his way to Honduras to live for the year, it is very tempting to go to a place of worry. Just google Honduras and you’ll see what I mean! One friend, in particular, tells me the latest worst news (as if I wasn’t aware!).
But Scripture is my anchor.
“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the farthest sea, 
even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:9-10).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for I am with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
The Bible is full of “anchor” verses about trusting a good and loving God with our daily concerns. From there, we adjust our thinking. When I rest on my anchor of trust, worry dissolves and my heart finds peace.
How about you? Do you have some anchor verses to share? Please chime in with a comment! Your thoughts are treasured.
By the way, I’ll be sharing Tad’s life in Honduras throughout the year. On Instagram and FB, too! You’re invited to follow along: suzannewoodsfisher and www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor
I have but two Anchor Verses. They are Isaiah 41:10. It goes like this: Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my right hand of righteousness. And Revelation 20:10 It goes like this: And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Mary! Thank you for sharing those anchor verses! Such confidence in God…that all will be well. Warmly, Suzanne
I can view this as a parent, but want to respond more from your son’s point of view. I was sort of in his shoes. Within 4 weeks of graduating from college, I left for the Peace Corps in the Philippines. That was in 1968 and things were a bit calmer than they are now. There were still problems with people being shot, communist guerrillas moving into my district, and student anti-American sentiment. I lived at home while attending college and this would be the first time I had been away from home except for 3 months of student teaching. I am sure my mother had her misgivings, but as an excited 21 year old ready to take on the world, I never considered it. Yes things happened but I didn’t write the family everything that went on. Mail was the only way to communicate then and letters took weeks. You will have much better communication options now. With the “ignorance” of youth, I figured if anything happened to me the impact wouldn’t be that great. Yes, my family would be upset, but no one relied on me for their existence.
Now as a parent, my viewpoint has definitely changed. I worry about our children’s futures, their success, and their safety. I am sure I have earned the grey hairs I am getting. Payment of sorts for the ones I gave my mother. My favorite scripture and the one that has guided my life is the Beatitudes.
Your son will have a wonderful experience and grow in many ways because of it. He will also have an impact on those he works with and comes in contact with. Relax, Mom. That separation will be difficult. It will be hard not to worry, but you too will grow. Know you raised him right and prepared him well for this experience. As parents, that is all we can do.
Loved reading your comment, Patricia! Both sides of that coin. Thank you for your reflections, and for the Scripture (always valued!) and for the Mom-wisdom. Gratefully, Suzanne
I have quite a few anchor verses but Philippians 4:6 helps me:
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. and of course the 23rd Psalm which aided me during my husband’s recent illness and death.