Over the past two weeks with the trauma of Larry Nunnery’s unexpected death in our church family, the loss of Ronnie Stallings, Whitt’s brother and the devastation of Hurricane Florence, an uplifting song of inspiration and consolation has been on my mind. It’s entitled “The Solid Rock”. The words are worthy of our deepest reflection
In times like these you need a Savior
In times like these you need an anchor
Be very sure, be very sure
You 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
This beloved and comforting hymn was written by Ruth Caye Jones, wife of evangelist Bert Jones, during the fearful days of World War II. In 1948 Bert and Ruth founded a radio ministry out of their home in Erie, Pennsylvania which they called, “A Visit with the Jones’. While house cleaning, Ruth was thinking about the uncertainty of the time in which she was living. Feeling the strong presence of the Holy Spirit the words of the song and the music to accompany them filled her mind. Ruth stopped her house cleaning, sat down, and penned the words and music exactly as God revealed them to her. Not only did this message from God bring Ruth peace and comfort in the moment, but years later she found the message one of hope and encouragement as she recovered from a serious illness. This inspired hymn has touched and blessed the lives of countless numbers of distressed souls in times of trouble, anxiety, fear and uncertainty. Only God knows the number of people who have surrendered their lives to Jesus because of this hymn.
There is no doubt that the times we now face in North Carolina call for an anchor, a Savior, a Rock. Is God speaking to us through this tragedy? Although we have been greatly spared in this hurricane, we cannot and must not forget those who are caught right in the middle of it. Next time, it could be us. The message that God revealed to Ruth Jones demands our full attention in times like these.. “Be very sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock. This Rock is Jesus, the only One.”
In His Love,
Charles
