During the years of World War II, Ruth Cay Jones was meditating on the words of 2 Timothy 3:1 which state “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come” and was inspired to pen the words to the now popular hymn “In Times Like These.” The crisis of our current day has ushered daily change and uncertainty into our lives. Stay-in-place and social distancing orders has seemingly placed upon us a Forced (Sabbatical) Retreat (self-isolating), Forced Rest (restructured and/or limited working hours), Forced Reunions (interacting as a family unit), and Forced Revamping (of the church structure into the Church design).
As such, there is a universal call for one to assess just where his or her anchor rest. In a day of not being able to go to the physical church building, it is a day for Saints of God to evaluate and ensure that the very foundation of their profession of faith is in The Church – not in a building but in Christ. Upon Peter’s utterance of the truth that had been revealed to him, Jesus says “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock [Christ’s identity] I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).
Jesus also taught the principle of being sure the foundation of our life and living has at its base a solid foundation (The Rock) and is not sitting on top of a fleeting substance (sand) in order to be able to withstand the challenges we face no matter the form they take (Matthew 7:24-27). The Apostle Paul encourages us further to ensure we are building our lives on the only true foundation of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15); this Forced season has placed Saints in a position to do just that.
With such, the truth of the lyrics of the song penned many years ago in the era of a physical war bears significance in the era of a viral war. Listen, and hear what the Spirit says to the Church.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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