In Times Like These

In 1943, Ruth Jones, a pastor’s wife, was reading the newspaper filled with reports of World War 2 and the casualty lists, rationing, fear, and discouragement. She picked up her Bible and read 2 Timothy 3:1, “In the last days perilous times shall come.” A self-taught musician without formal music training, she began to pen some words and sat down at her organ, putting together a tune that would become a worldwide classic.

She and her husband Bert Jones started a radio program in Erie, Pennsylvania, called “A Visit with the Jones,” then began to do traveling evangelistic ministry. I remember them coming to the church in which I grew up, and they sang this song. It was even published in our teen songbook Youth Favorites. 

In 1968, I was privileged to sing in the Billy Graham Crusade Choir when George Beverly Shea sang this song. This song is timeless for all time, and timely, especially today:

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.

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.