Friday's Inspiration

I was awakened from a sound sleep several times last night. Each time that I was awakened the words of of an old hymn was in my heart and in my mind. The hymn was In Times Like These. I began to research the song this morning and I am presently listening to Mahalia Jackson sing that very song. Ruth Kaye Jones wrote the song and NameThatHymn.Com shares this following information. "Ruth Caye Jones was the wife of a minister and also the mother of five. While we constantly hear of wars and rumors of wars today, it's sometimes easy to forget that things were much worse in the dark days of World War II. During World War II, over 400,000 young US soldiers lost their lives. And that number itself was just a small part of the 78 million people who died worldwide. It was during this time that Mother Jones, as she came to be known, reflected on the words of 2 Timothy 3:1, took a small notepad from her apron pocket, and jotted down the words and music to "In Times Like These", exactly as we sing them today."

I am convinced that each of us understand that we are facing unique, challenging, and very disturbing times. Our world is full of chaotic situations in which there seems to be no easy solution to the problems. We are facing the threat of terrorism in which it is even difficult to identify the enemy. We have a name for the enemy but no clearly defined process of identifying the enemy. One news report said the enemy is operating in over 30 countries of the world. 

I am only referencing one type of conflict in these previous sentences. Yet, we realize that there are other situations even in America that are very concerning to each of us. I will not take the time to identify all of the "spiritual enemies" that we are facing. They are numerous and they are entrenched in the present day culture. Where are we going to turn? Where are we going to look? In whom or what will we place our trust? Who will we follow as we navigate these challenging waters in the 21st Century?

I truly believe the words of this song will serve to point each of us in the right direction today. Will we take the time to turn away from the "gods of this world" and turn to the TRUE AND LIVING GOD? Will Your (My) Anchor Hold Today? Are we secure and fully confident in our relationship with Jesus Christ?

In Times Like These

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!

                                NameThatHymn.Com