Gloria Bailey - Will Your Anchor Hold - We Have An Anchor That Keeps The Soul Lyrics
Lyrics
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
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 Savior’s love.
It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.
Video
Will Your Anchor Hold?
Meaning & Inspiration
Gloria Bailey's rendition of "Will Your Anchor Hold - We Have An Anchor That Keeps The Soul," released on December 4, 2020, immediately plunges into a profound exploration of spiritual steadfastness amidst life's tumultuous currents. The song’s message, timeless and deeply resonant, centers on the Christian’s source of stability when facing overwhelming challenges, fear, and even death. It’s a powerful call to examine the foundation of one’s faith, offering a compelling answer to the anxieties that threaten to overwhelm the human spirit.
The song opens with a direct, probing question: "Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?" This inquiry immediately connects with the universal human experience of facing adversity, where the metaphorical "strong tides lift" and our spiritual "cables strain." It paints a vivid picture of vulnerability, asking us to confront the reality of life's unpredictable hardships and to honestly assess the strength of our inner resolve. This initial challenge is a vital invitation to introspection, urging us to consider where our ultimate security lies when everything around us feels uncertain, echoing the wisdom found in Matthew 7:24-27 about building our lives on a firm foundation.
However, the song swiftly pivots from questioning to a resounding declaration of hope. We are assured, "We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll." This anchor is not an abstract concept but a tangible, spiritual reality, "fastened to the Rock which cannot move," and "grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love." The imagery of the "Rock" unmistakably points to Jesus Christ, the unwavering foundation of Christian faith, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 10:4 where Christ is called the spiritual Rock. This anchor provides a stability that transcends earthly circumstances, a promise of steadfastness rooted in the eternal love of God, a hope described in Hebrews 6:19 as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
The song further elaborates on the anchor’s impenetrable security, declaring it "safely moored" and "well secured by the Savior’s hand." This isn't merely a theoretical safeguard but a deeply personal connection, with "cables passed from His heart to mine," implying an intimate, unbreakable bond. Through this divine connection, we gain the ability to "defy the blast, through strength divine." This resonates powerfully with Philippians 4:13, where we are reminded that we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens" us, and John 15:4, which speaks of abiding in Christ to bear much fruit, drawing strength directly from the source.
As the narrative progresses, the lyrics address specific forms of distress, acknowledging that the anchor "will firmly hold in the straits of fear, when the breakers have told the reef is near." This speaks directly to moments of acute anxiety and looming danger, when the "tempest rave and the wild winds blow." Yet, the song assures us, "Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow," providing a comforting promise of divine protection. This assurance mirrors the unwavering confidence expressed in Psalm 46:1-3, which proclaims, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way." Even in life's most terrifying moments, there is a shield against despair, a calm within the storm that only divine presence can provide.
Finally, the song confronts the ultimate human fear: mortality. It affirms that the anchor "will surely hold in the floods of death, when the waters cold chill our latest breath." This is perhaps the most profound declaration, offering not just solace in life but triumph over death itself. On "the rising tide" of our final journey, the anchor "can never fail, while our hopes abide within the veil." This refers to the eternal dwelling place with God, beyond the earthly realm, a hope vividly portrayed in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, where death is swallowed up in victory through Christ. Gloria Bailey’s rendition of this song serves as a powerful testament to an enduring faith, offering listeners not just comfort but a profound sense of purpose and security, grounded in the unshakeable love and power of the Savior, inspiring all to trust in the unwavering anchor that keeps the soul.