Ruth Caye Jones was a self-taught pianist/organist from Erie Pennsylvania. Ruth was married to Bert Jones and co-founded an evangelistic radio ministry. Broadcasting weekly this family oriented program called “A Visit with the Jones,” this couple spoke the truth into homes across the country. You may not even know her name, or have ever heard the radio program, but you may remember the song she wrote in 1944 titled, “In Times Like These.”
I watched and listened last night, first to our President’s grave message about the crisis at our southern border, then the Democratic opposition response to his words. The only thought to describe my feelings as I watched was “sad.” I’m not fearful for what may happen in our country as the rhetoric increases, while the division in our leadership broadens, and every listens to pollsters who seem to skew results according to who’s funding the polls. I’m trying hard not to be angry or depressed as our government fails to provide safety and security to our life and freedom by not fixing the problem along our borders. Mostly, I’m just sad.
I woke up this morning thinking about the words to this song by Mrs. Jones, and realized if there were ever a need for these words it is now. Read and listen carefully.
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!
Here is why I’m not fearful or depressed, and try not to be angry listening to the news or reading social media outbursts on partisan politics. The words in this song are true.
In times like these, my Savior is not Donald Trump, and my anchor is not the United States Government.
In times like these, the Word of God is the Absolute Truth on which to base my life, and faith.
In times like these I must choose to believe in and hold fast to these three truths:
- God is Sovereign and in Control
- God’s Word has absolute Authority over all things, and applies to me personally
- God has promised to always be Present with us, and with me personally
This is my anchor.
This is my Rock.
His name is Jesus.
As I was saying... 