When I first met the family to plan the service, they showed me some of his precious treasures: his baptism certificate, his Methodist membership card, and a small Methodist Short Service Book. I was told that he carried this little book with him throughout his life, using its prayers for different occasions.
These were more than just papers; they were reminders of a faith he carried and, even more beautifully, of a faith that carried him. I was deeply touched when I learned about his faith and the hymns he has chosen. His closing hymn was “Will Your Anchor Hold,” which reflected his strong and steady trust in God, a hymn he had loved since his days in the Boys’ Brigade.
In our journey of life, we all need something to keep us anchored in faith. For some, it may be a cross, a Bible, or a prayer book. For others, it may be a simple song or verse that reminds us of God’s presence. What truly matters is not the object itself, but the faith and hope that it represents, a faith that holds us firm when life’s storms come.
As the hymn says,
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 Saviour’s love.
May our lives also be anchored in the unshakable love of Christ.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for inspiring us through the lives of your faithful people who have journeyed before us. Help us to seek you and rely on you as our Master and Guide.
Let Your Spirit strengthen us to overcome the struggles of life and keep our faith firm in you. We pray this in your Son’s name, Jesus our Lord. Amen.