As Christians, we always hear about Christ being our solid Rock, our solid foundation. We first read this in Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus speaks of building your life on solid Rock.
"The Solid Rock" was written by Edward Mote, born into poverty in 1797. His parents, owners of a pub, wouldn’t allow a Bible in their house, but somehow Edward heard the gospel as a teenager and came to Christ. He said: "So ignorant was I that I did not know there was a God." At age 18 he heard God's Word, and it changed his heart - his life.
He eventually became a skilled carpenter and the owner of his own cabinet shop. He recalled, “One morning on my way to work, it came into my mind as I went to labor to write a hymn 'On the gracious experience of a Christian'. As I went up to Holborn, I had the chorus ‘On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.’ That day I had four verses complete. On the Sabbath following, I met brother King who informed me that his wife was very ill and asked me to call and see her. I had an early tea and called afterwards. He said that it was his usual custom to sing a hymn, read a portion and engage in prayer before he went to a meeting. He looked for his hymn book but could not find it. I said, 'I have some verses in my pocket. If you'd liked, we can sing them.' His wife enjoyed them so much that after the service he asked me to leave a copy of them for her.
"I went home and by the fireside composed the last two verses and took them to sister King, as these verses so met the dying woman's case. I had a thousand printed for distribution in 1852."
In 1852, Edward gave up his carpentry, at the age of 55, to pastor the Baptist church in Horsham Sussex, England, where he served for 21 years. Largely through his personal efforts, a building for a Baptist congregation was built in the village of Horsham, Sussex. The church members, out of gratitude to Mote, offered him the deed to the property. He refused their offer, saying: “I do not want the chapel; I only want the pulpit, and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that.”
Mote, who was in failing health, resigned in 1873, saying, "I think I am going to heaven, yes I am nearing port. The truths I have been preaching, I am now living upon and they'll do very well to die upon at the precious blood."
He left this world for his heavenly home at age 77, leaving his mark through songs inspired by the heart of God.
Studylight.org; Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible: The “full assurance of faith” means unwavering confidence; a fullness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. Christians are permitted to come thus because God has revealed Himself through the Redeemer as in every way deserving their fullest confidence.
Biblehub.com; Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Hope accomplishes for the soul the same thing which an anchor does for a ship. It makes it fast and secure. An anchor preserves a ship when the waves beat and the wind blows, and as long as the anchor holds, so long the ship is safe, and the mariner apprehends no danger. So it is with the soul of the Christian. In the tempests and trials of life, his mind is calm as long as his hope of heaven is firm. Both sure and steadfast, firm and secure.
David Jeremiah said in his book, Hope, "An Anchor for Life": "The Bible says that the hope God gives us forms an anchor for the soul. The Bible is full of living hope from the loving God. His hope can anchor your life and become a lifeline to your world.”
Studylight.org, Clarke’s Commentary: The promise and oath of God: the promise pledged his faithfulness and justice; the oath, all the infinite perfections of his Godhead, for He sware by Himself.
Calvin’s Commentary on the Bible: The word of God, then, is a sure truth, and in itself authoritative. But when an oath is added it is an overplus added to a full measure. We have, then, this strong consolation, that God, who cannot deceive when He speaks, being not content with making a promise, has confirmed it by an oath.
David Jeremiah said in his book, "Hope, An Anchor for Life": "Hope is a mental attitude. It’s not really an emotion or a matter of our feelings. It’s a mindset, and the writer of Hebrews tells us to be diligent to the very end in claiming and realizing our hope."
Bibleref.com: Christians ought to be extremely confident in our faith. This reason for confidence should give us encouragement and boldness, even in the face of persecution. At the same time, the profound assurance God offers us leaves no excuse when we choose to sin (Hebrews 10:26–29). In order to obtain all of the blessings God intends for us, spiritually, we need to be willing to do His will.
Preceptaustin.org, Butler: Waiting requires patience. This is a struggle for all saints, for after you have obeyed and done what God says to do, the results do not always come immediately. Patience will help you wait for the results. Patience involves remaining loyal to the Lord and being pure in conduct as well as not giving up on the promise.
The solid Rock of Jesus is resilient to any kind of storm in our lives. In His presence, we can be at peace. Whatever comes our way, we can always trust in the love, hope, and enduring Rock of Jesus.
