In the year 1943, Ruth Caye Jones, a pastor’s wife in
Pennsylvania and the mother of five, was distressed by the headlines of her
Pittsburgh newspaper. She saw the World War II causality lists and she knew the
Allies were making slow progress through the boot of Italy. Supplies were
rationed at home, and everyone was living under incredible strain.
Opening her Bible to 2 Timothy, Ruth studied the page and
pondered the opening words. A song began composing itself in her mind. She
jotted some lyrics on a small pad in her apron pocket. A series of musical notes
also played in her mind. Only later did she realize they came from the old
clock on the mantle with its iconic Westminster Chimes. Soon the notes and
music congealed to become one of the most beloved Gospel songs of the 1940s and
1950s, “In Times Like These.”
Several years later, the words provided comfort to the
writer as she recovered from a serious surgery. She is said to have tears come
to her eyes when she watched George Beverly Shea sing her song on a Billy
Graham telecast. She said “I can’t believe I had any part in writing this song.
I just feel that God gave it to me, and I gave it to the world.”
In 1948, the Jones’ founded a radio ministry in Erie, PA,
broadcasting a weekly family devotional program from their home called “A Visit
with the Jones.”
Mrs. Jones wrote fifteen other hymns, but “In Times
Like These” remains her best known. Ruth Caye Jones died on August 18,
1972 in Erie, Pennsylvania.
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Barry Kauffman, a Millersville PA resident, shared these
words on his blog (barryshymns.blogspot.com): |
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“We live in very troubling times. Terrorism is
increasing worldwide. Wars and threats of wars abound. Christians are
being killed, persecuted, and forced to flee their homes. Fires, floods
and earthquakes are devastating large areas. Judges are overturning
Biblical standards. It is easy to become discouraged, worried and
fearful. But in a society which no longer has absolutes, believers do
have absolutes upon which they can rest. In times like these we need the
Bible. In times like these we need a Savior. In times like these we
need a solid Rock and an Anchor. And thankfully we do have those to build
our lives on and depend upon.“
We are certainly living in times like this. None of us are
free from the worries of life. On andalusiastarnews.com these words were
shared: “Another song gives similar assurance. A couple, known for their
prolific and popular songwriting, penned the words and music during troubling
times. They were expecting their third child. The husband was recovering from a
serious illness. The world was in turmoil around them – the Vietnam War, racial
tension with violence in the streets, and increasing drug abuse. They worried
about the kind of world their children would face growing up. Gloria Gaither recalls being filled with fear
that New Year’s Eve. But, then she felt a calming peace within. After her son
was born, she and her husband, Bill, wrote, ‘God sent His son, they called Him,
Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon.
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!’”
The daughter of Ruth Caye Jones wrote these words in 2021: “Mrs.
Ruth Caye Jones was my mother, and I was there the day she wrote the song. That
is 78 years ago, but the words are truer today than ever before. It is the
message this old, troubled world needs to hear!”
Studylight.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole 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 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
Studylight.com, Contending for the Faith: An "anchor" (agkura) in
ancient times, as well as in modern times, is used as a symbol of hope. In this
passage it is used figuratively signifying a "safeguard" (Thayer 7).
The Christian’s anchor is his "hope" of salvation in Jesus Christ
Truthaccordingtoscripture.com, Spurgeon’s verse expositions
of the Bible: Sailors throw their anchors downwards; we throw ours upwards.
Their anchor goes within the veil of the waters into the depths of the sea;
ours goes within the veil of glory, into the heights of heaven, where Jesus
sits at the right hand of God: “within the veil.”
Crossway.org: The testimony of God’s Holy Word is that it is His breath and that it is everything to believers. The book of Deuteronomy records that when Moses had finished writing the words of the law and had given it to the Levites to place beside the ark and had sung his song, the song of Moses, he said, “Take heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word for you, but your very life”
Godsbless.ing: This powerful verse highlights the divine
inspiration of all Scripture, emphasizing that every word is from God and
carries a purpose. It serves as a guide for believers, providing them with
valuable lessons and teachings for their spiritual journey. Just imagine the
impact of knowing that every word in the Bible is divinely inspired, offering
wisdom and guidance for navigating life’s challenges and victories. The verse
underscores the practical application of Scripture in our lives. It reminds us
that the Bible is not merely a historical document but a living and active tool
for growth and development. It can correct our mistakes, rebuke us when we
stray from God’s path, and train us to live a righteous and holy life. How
amazing is it to have a resource that not only teaches us about God’s love but
also guides us in our day-to-day decisions and actions? This verse ultimately
encourages us to cherish and study the Scriptures, understanding their profound
value in shaping our character and deepening our faith. Approach God’s Word
with reverence and eagerness, ready to be transformed and equipped for every
good work through its divine wisdom and guidance . . . To live in accordance
with God’s Word is to accept its authority in our lives and allow it to
transform us from the inside out. This involves not only reading the Scriptures
but also meditating on them, studying them, and applying their teachings to our
daily lives. We can mature in our faith, deepen our relationship with God, and
walk in obedience to His commands by doing so. A heart that is willing to
submit to His truth and align our beliefs and actions with the principles and
teachings found in Scripture is ultimately required to live in accordance with
God’s Word. It is a continual process of seeking God’s will, allowing His Word
to convict and mold us, and striving to live a life that reflects His love,
grace, and righteousness to the world around us.
Biblehub.com, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: I know what a faithful, promise-keeping God He is. It is not, I know how I have believed, but, I know WHOM I have believed; a feeble faith may clasp a strong Saviour.
Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: The idea is, that he understood the character of that Redeemer to whom he had committed his eternal interests and knew that he had no reason to be ashamed of confiding in Him. He was able to keep all that he had entrusted to His care and would not suffer Him to be lost.
Scripturesavvy.com: This verse beautifully captures the essence of God as a protector and a safe haven. When we think of a rock, we picture something strong and unyielding. That’s how God’s presence in our lives is described—we can lean on Him for support during difficult times . . . As we reflect on the phrase “my God is my Rock,” it suggests a personal connection. It’s not just about God being a generalized rock of salvation; it’s about each of us recognizing Him as our own. It’s about knowing that God offers us a shelter against the storms of life, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It’s an invitation for us to approach Him for refuge. God invites us into an intimate relationship where we can find solace., strength, and assurance . . . It reminds us that God is unchanging amidst the shifting sands of life’s circumstances. He remains a firm foundation for us to stand upon.
Today, we still live in perilous times. And unlike in the 1940s, we as a society have grown further and further from God. The solid Rock is still there and always has been, but too many people have chosen to throw their anchor on sinking sand. The words written 60 years ago ring more true today than they ever have. In our lives we will encounter storms of life, some which threaten to tear our whole ships apart. But if your anchor grips onto the solid Rock, there is no storm that can destroy you. Rest from the turmoil of these times and claim these truths this week.
