As people, we’re prone to look for anchors in life. Little things to tie ourselves down to in order to feel safe. We may anchor to a certain neighborhood; it makes us feel known. We may anchor to a car; we feel good because we are worthy of this sort of vehicle. We may anchor ourselves to our clothes; we feel strong and beautiful when we have the right outfit on. We may anchor to the appearance of our kids; we appear like we have it all together when they do. We may anchor to our job; it shows we are smart. We may anchor to the future; we think it will save us from what we hate.
Anchors are little holds on our life. We hold on to “it” and “it” holds onto us.
Lately, God has been in the process of un-anchoring my life:
– We moved to a city with no furniture. Due to issues there, we almost immediately needed to move again.
– We pretty much let go of alcohol and rarely drink now.
– We don’t feel beholden to a location or neighborhood.
– We’re fine without the constant pull of TV on our life.
– We don’t really know what the future holds and we’re okay with it.
It is not that I advocate “un-anchoring” the way I did for everyone. It is just the place where God has me. God may have something like this for you in your season, He may be calling you to it or He may be doing something different.
Either way, today I am saying: God, I don’t really feel attached to anything anymore.
“That’s the point, Kelly.”
In the past, I’ve looked at things taken away from me and felt robbed. Today, I look at the things taken away from me and feel blessed. It’s incredible. I don’t online shopping anymore, I skip my red wine and I don’t binge-watch make-yourself-feel-better shows – and I’ve never been more happy, more full and more alive.
Most definitely, it’s not by my work, that’s for sure. It has to be God.
To un-anchor is to let go and find rest.
For me, losing what seems like “everything” gains me greater intimacy with God. Plus, a deeper calling, increased vision and unusual joy and faith.
What might God want to “un-anchor” in your life?
A nightly TV ritual?
Your twirling and swirling worries?
A friend who is leading you down the wrong road?
A mindset that focuses on disappointment?
Let go of something that’s holding you captive to fill the gap with God.
The less you hold on to, the more of God you can grab onto.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)
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I love this idea of unanchoring. Sometimes we only think about the things we are supposed to anchor to (GOD), but we struggle and don’t understand why it’s so hard. But when we look at what we need to let go of, we are free to anchor where we belong.
I too, am giving up red wine and shows that make me either angry or sad…whatever emotion helps me feel my life is better than others’. I’m on day 2 of waking up without regret over my nightly glass or two.
Thank you for writing about something that is important to let go!
This is good encouragement for me today, Kelly, because I’m also in an “un-anchoring” time. Still adjusting after leaving the country where I served 18 years. After a few months, I’m moving again in November (same area). Changes have a way of forcing us to find our anchor in God!
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Thanks, Kelly. I believe my anchor is being relevant. I’m finding out that I get really stressed when I’m not the guy who knows everything, or at least the guy who can fix your problem. (Sure, maybe it’s a guy thing, not just me lol) but it’s humbling to realize that I have made and will continue to make mistakes, disappoint people, and generally suck at some things in life. Do I let go and let God (and let God tell me how to proceed)? Or do I work harder to improve and be all that I can be? Lots to think about today.
Wow Kelly! That’s a lot of changes in a short period of time. I love the imagery of un-anchoring because it means you’re setting sail for a journey and your trip has taken you to the very heart of God. What an adventure!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
I feel so unanchored right now, and quite honestly it hasn’t been feeling good. Your post is encouraging me to look at what is good about it. I plan and looking at it with new eyes and together with God. Thank you.
“The less you hold on to the more God can grab on to.” So good. laurensparks.net
Kelly, what a beautiful thought of the freedom that comes from letting go of our false security anchors!
This is just wonderfull talk, i really appreciate the time u take to write such an inspirational piece. Keep on the good work, stay blessed?