In Times Like These... 7 years later

 Monday, June 30, 2014

“Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68).

 Hey Gang, Gma here again.  You have read the last couple mornings about the 'foundations' in Peril. (Go to Archives June 2014 if you want to read the foundations) The day after I prepared these for the ‘blog’, my devotional hymn was this one –In Times Like These- the words so very fitting for today.

 “Wars, earthquakes, famines, drugs, child abuse, humanism, the occult, New Age…..

    When world events and ideologies like these seem ominous and unsettling to us or when personal sorrows or tragedies confront us, where can we go but to the Lord?  How comforting it is to know we can always flee to him and rest securely on our ‘Solid Rock’.  During the fearful days at the height of WW II, when the stress and strain of daily living seemed almost overwhelming, the comforting hymn “In Times Like These“ was written.  In the midst of a busy day as a housewife, Ruth Caye Jones felt a direct inspiration from the Holy Spirit.  She stopped her work to quickly put down both words and music just as they were given to her by God.

Since that day the hymn has been a blessing to countless Christians at special times of need.  It has brought comfort during illness, has been used widely at funerals, has encouraged and challenged Christian workers, and has drawn many to salvation.  Mrs. Jones experiences for herself the consolation the words of the song could bring as she spent time recovering from serious surgery a few years after this was written.

The Scriptures warn that world conditions will continue to get worse as we approach the end of this age and the return of Christ.  In addition, we must prepare ourselves for the difficulty times that come to everyone as life progresses.  We can only remain firm when we know with conviction that our God is in control and that all things are working out for our ultimate good.  In the meantime, we simply grip the “Solid Rock” ......as these words tell us:

In times like these, you need a Savior; in times like these you need an anchor; be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

In times like these you need the Bible; In times like these O be not idle; be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

In times like these I have a Savior; in times like these I have an anchor; I’m very sure, I’m very sure my anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

Refrain: This Rock is Jesus, yes, He’s the one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

 Sooo, our young, and not so young friends, whatever difficulties, anxieties may surround you just now, be certain that you are anchored in the ROCK Christ Jesus. He, the God Head, is the only secure help.  His promises are yes and amen.  He is faithful to His word and us.

 Blesssings,

Gma J