In Times Like These (Video, History and Lyrics) Adventist Hymnal #593

In Times Like These: History of the Hymn

Some of the best-loved Christian hymns have come out of a sense of helplessness to what is going on in the world of the authors and this song is no exception. This song was composed during the fearful days at the height of World War II when despair over the war was everywhere. The year was 1943.

Ruth Caye Jones

It seemed to many during that time that the allies were bogged down in Italy and other countries and the war was going nowhere. The world economies were at breaking points with rations everywhere. 

It is out of this atmosphere that a housewife and pastor's wife in Pennsylvania, Ruth Caye Jones was drawn to 2 Timothy 3, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come..."

As she read this chapter a song began composing in her head, "In Times Like These We Need A Savior". While it is the reading of 2 Timothy 3 that initially inspired her, the words show that at the back of her mind she might have been influenced by Hebrews 6:19, which says, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast….

This powerful hymn has been a blessing to millions of Christians in times of need. It has been used in funerals, illnesses and to encourage the discouraged and also to win souls for Christ.

       

In this video, the Cadet Sisters sing, "In Times Like These".

In Times Like These Lyrics

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

For a list of old hymns that will inspire you to visit here.