FALSE ANCHORS

FALSE ANCHORS
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 by DAWN R. WARD

Categories: devotional / GUEST AUTHORS / TUESDAY'S TREASURE

PLEASE WELCOME

DAWN R. WARD

FICTION FRIDAY

“We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)

Several years ago, our family made its way to Northern California. As part of our vacation, we visited the lake for an afternoon of fun and relaxation. After renting a boat and receiving our operating instructions from the crew, we set sail for our destination. The day was clear and beautiful; the water—smooth and pristine. About halfway through our adventure, we found a quiet lagoon to take a break, grab a snack, and cool off in the water.

As my husband brought the boat to a halt, he shouted to me, “Drop anchor!” Hastily, I grabbed the anchor and cast it into the blue waters below. Proud of myself for a job well done, I watched as the shiny anchor plunged quickly into the darkness. Immediately, I realized I had made a big mistake. Trailing just seconds behind the anchor was its unhitched line, following without restraint. I had failed to notice that the line was not tied to the boat’s cleat. I attempted to grab hold of the runaway rope, but to my dismay, it was too late.

The anchor was lost forever.

My mistake cost us a pretty penny. It also taught me something about anchors. While boat anchors are a safety device when properly secured, when not, they are useless and can even be dangerous. The same thing holds for the anchors in our lives.

It would have been foolish for us to put our trust in that unsecured anchor to keep our boat from drifting away from shore or crashing into unseen rocks below the water’s surface. To ensure our safety, it was necessary to anchor our boat firmly. Likewise, as we navigate the waters of life, we should consider the anchors we rely on. Are they stable and secure? Or are they unreliable or false anchors?

Just as anchors are a source of stability for vessels in rough seas, the Lord is our anchor, our security, in the storms of life.

When facing uncharted waters and raging seas, Jesus is the only anchor on which we can place our trust. In our deepest pain and darkest moments, we can be secure, knowing He is with us in the storm. In return, He asks us to let go of our false anchors and hold on to Him. As we go through these times of testing, rather than relying on ourselves, we will need to hold on to the Lord to see us through.

This world tempts us to put our trust in false anchors such as money, health, fame, career, possessions, and relationships. But each will let us down at some point in our lives. Our Lord will never fail us. He promises to be with us when we face turbulent waters. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2b).

I learned a valuable lesson that day at the lake. Not only did I realize my lack of experience with boat safety, but I also learned that my security isn't found in the anchors I cling to—it's found in the Lord alone.

Dear Jesus. Thank you for revealing the false anchors in our lives. We admit we often rely on the security they promise but do not deliver. We commit to trusting in You, our secure anchor in the storm. Amen.

ABOUT DAWN WARD

Dawn Ward is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry equipping women to live transformed lives through inspiring teaching, mentoring, and biblical resources. The ministry also offers support and encouragement to women with addicted loved ones. She is married to Steve and mom to three adult children. Dawn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she prefers scenic mountain hikes over the lure of the city lights. When she is not busy writing or serving in the Women's Ministry of her local church, you will find her hanging out with her dogs and reading a good book. Dawn’s new book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, published in September 2024, is available for order.

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HTTPS://www.thefaithtoflourish.com

MORE ABOUT GUILT TO GRACE: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children.

As the mother of children who struggled with addiction, I learned I had tethered myself to their well-being. If they were not happy, healthy, and secure, then neither could I be. As I tried to save them, I was losing myself in the process. I had taken my eyes off the true anchor in my life, Jesus, and had fixated them on trying to save my children. One day, amid the storm, Jesus asked me, “Dawn, do you trust me?” It was then that I realized my only hope for lasting security was to let go of the false anchors I was holding onto and grab the hand of Jesus, my anchor in the storm.

Release Guilt and Embrace Grace: A Mother’s Guide to Experiencing Hope and Healing

Are you a mother trying to cope with the painful reality of your adult child's addiction or self-destructive behaviors?

Are you overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness, fear, and despair?

Do you experience regret, as though you could have prevented this from happening to your child?

Are you worn out from trying to save them from themselves?

You are not alone. Dawn Ward has experienced a similar journey in her efforts to save her children who were struggling with substance use disorder. After years of trying to break free from feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, she finally surrendered her will to God and embraced His redeeming grace like never before.

From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children offers guidance to mothers grappling with the anguish of their child’s addiction. Through Biblical truths and personal insights, you will discover the lies that keep you trapped in guilt and shame, and experience the transforming power of God’s grace to set you and your loved ones free.

“From Guilt to Grace offers the kind of practical and spiritual guidance I wish I’d had on my painful journey.” - Dena Yohe, Co-founder of Hope for Hurting Parents

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