Jesus our anchor and our hope

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English: Stained glass window in the nave of S...
English: Stained glass window in the nave of St. John's Anglican Church, Ashfield, New South Wales (NSW). This scene depicts Saint James ("S. Jacobus") and Saint John (S. Johannes). The heading scroll reads "I come quickly, even so come Lord Jesus". The inscription on this memorial window reads "In Memoriam George Barton Griffiths, Emily Nanima Griffiths. Erected By Their Sisters 1888." (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

James 5:7-12 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 

8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 

10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 

11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.


The humble servants of God will remain patient when worldly people indulge themselves or cause trouble, because our Lord is coming. We have seen his compassion and mercy. 

We know his faithfulness, and he will bless us if we remain steadfast. But this is not a return to self-reliance, as if God is calling us to faithfulness in our own strength. 

Jesus, the unbreakable “anchor of the soul,” has been cast into our boat to hold us steady (see Heb. 6:19). When we feel doubt or fear pulling us away from God, remember that he, who holds us, will not let us go. 

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