I have journeyed
Through the long, dark night
Out on the open sea
By faith alone
Sight unknown
And yet His eyes were watching me
Chorus:
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees
As I faced the raging seas
The anchor holds
In spite of the storm
I've had visions
I've had dreams
I've even held them in my hand
But I never knew
They would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand
Chorus
I have been young
But I am older now
And there has been beauty
That these eyes have seen
But it was in the night
Through the storms of my life
Oh, that's where God proved
His love to me
Chorus (repeat)
The Anchor Holds with lyrics Ray Boltz
Anchor Holds Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Ray Boltz's powerful song "Anchor Holds," released with lyrics on January 19, 2010, resonates deeply with listeners navigating life's challenges. The song employs vivid nautical metaphors to describe a journey through difficult times, likening life to being out on a dark, open sea. The narrative speaks of facing turbulent storms, represented by raging seas, where the vessel is battered and the sails are torn. Despite this intense struggle and the feeling of being overwhelmed, requiring the act of falling to one's knees, the central message is one of steadfast hope and security found in something external and reliable.
The lyrics delve into the human experience of holding onto dreams and visions only to see them slip away, comparing them to fleeting grains of sand. This reflects the transient nature of earthly hopes and aspirations. However, the turning point comes with the realization that it is specifically during the darkest and stormiest periods of life, symbolized by the night, that a deeper truth is revealed and proven. The song emphasizes that these trials are not faced alone and that a source of enduring strength and love is present and active during adversity.
The core theme is powerfully encapsulated in the repeated chorus: "The anchor holds." This anchor represents an unwavering stability that remains firm regardless of the external chaos and damage inflicted upon the "ship" (life). It is a declaration of faith that provides security "in spite of the storm." The song culminates in the understanding that life's difficulties are precisely the times when this divine reliability, described as God's love, is most profoundly demonstrated and experienced, proving itself true through the night.
The message of "Anchor Holds" aligns closely with several biblical themes concerning faith, hope, and God's faithfulness in times of trial. For instance, Hebrews 6:19 speaks of hope as a "sure and steadfast anchor of the soul," extending within the veil, referencing the security found in Christ. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," echoing the support available during storms. Similarly, Isaiah 43:2 promises presence and safety when passing through waters and rivers. These scriptures reinforce the song's assertion that there is a reliable, divine anchor that prevents being completely adrift or overcome by life's most challenging circumstances.
