June 15, 2005

Have faith in God –
The past by heaven forgot;
Have faith in God –
In Christ your sins are not;
Have faith in God –
With Christ at last our lot.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

In Times Like These

Words and Music by Ruth Caye Jones, 1902-1972

    But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. John 6:68, 69.

    During the fearful days at the height of World War 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 inspired of the Holy Spirit to stop her work, quickly putting down both words and music just as they are written.
    Ruth Jones was especially inspired by the words of II Timothy 3:1 -- “This know also that in the last days perilous times will come.” As she read those words, the inspiration for the song came to her from the Lord, and she jotted them down on a small notepad she had in her apron pocket.
    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 experienced for herself the consolation the words of the song could bring as she spent time recovering from serious surgery a few years after it was written.
    Ruth Caye Jones died in Erie, PA on August 18, 1972, following a very short bout with cancer. Her faith was not shaken, and she would tell the family that the “anchor was gripping the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus.” She, along with her husband and oldest son, founded the ministry of "A Visit with the Joneses" in 1948.
    "A Visit with the Joneses" -- The ministry was founded in 1948 by Mother and Dad Jones, along with the five younger Joneses in Pittsburgh, PA. The listener was invited to enjoy a time of family devotions at "Home Sweet Home." "Visitors" never knew just what unique and special things would happen---because that is just how it is when company comes to your house. The family visits have been aired continuously for 54 "plus" years, right from the living room of "Home Sweet Home." TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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.

Chorus:
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.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission