The Cross is My Anchor!

A Roman philosopher once said, “The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.” I think I would have to agree because it seems I grapple more than tango through the days of my life. I often feel that my days spring forth with more challenges than moments of celebration. Yet, I know I am not alone in in my view. Another wise Roman was a bit more specific in his assessment when he said “Life is warfare!”  Well, I don’t know if I would carry it that far but I would say life can be difficult and challenging. 

However, trying to build my philosophy of life on either one of these phrases would be depressing. I know life can be difficult but I want to enjoy it and I want it to have meaning. So let me suggest another phrase, one that carries some meat on its bones.

The cross is my anchor! These words are translated from a Latin phrase I often use in e-mails and writings I send to friends. It reminds me my life is anchored in the Cross of Christ and all it stands for.


Carrying one’s cross has nothing to do with a servile submission to difficulty or disaster. It has nothing to do with a passive resignation to the pain and difficulties we all face in this life. Instead, it has everything to do with a joyful abandonment to doing the will of God. Fulfilling the will of God in our lives always involves putting the concerns of God’s kingdom before the pursuit of our own passions, security, possessions, status, or power.  The Cross of Christ is our constant reminder that we are to seek God’s will in our daily lives, just as Jesus did in his life. The world regards this as a foolish way to live life. People we know may even challenge us over the wisdom of our beliefs. They may regard the cross as a symbol of weakness. However, our daily lives can testify to the power of the cross and all that it stands for. 

In Hebrews 6:19 we read these powerful words, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. “ The verse refers to the certainty of God’s promises to us. God’s purpose and his promises are certain and our lives and hope are anchored in the cross, the ultimate symbol of his will. So we all can resonate with the phrase “the cross is my anchor.” May it always be and may we never forget.

RefRev