In the sixties, Mahalia Jackson released a song called “In Times Like These”. Our Pastor’s wife used to sing it to encourage our little country church in Pickens. The song was written during hard times.

In 1983, Barbara Mandrell released another song called “In Times Like These”. She sang about her man helping her through the hard times of that day.

Throughout history, there have been hard times. Hard times come, and hard time go. Sometimes they stay. Finances. Health issues. Loss of a loved one. Relationship struggles. The truth is we are either going into a hard time, in the middle of a hard time, or coming out of one. Sometimes we go through them personally. Other times, we go through them together. Like now, when we all find ourselves sitting in the middle of a hard time politically in our nation.

Times change. Struggles change. In the midst of it all, there are two things that are steadfast and certain. 1) Sin brought hard times into our world, and 2) Jesus is and has always been the answer during hard times.

In times like these, we are shaken, sometimes to our core. But maybe we need to be shaken. Obviously, God, who is in charge of all things must think so. Is He trying to wake us up? Is it His Church He is trying to awaken? For too many years, through too many hard times, the Church has slept, leaving the problems for others to deal with. Leaving the problems for Washington. How’s that working out for us? Hmmm, not good.

Praise God, there is still a faith we can hold on to in times like these. Jesus is our anchor and He is steadfast and sure. His anchor holds through the fiercest storm, gripped in the solid Rock. It is amazing with the storm all around us how we can be so protected that, not only can we survive, but we can thrive. In this safety, we can still serve and work for Him. And it is especially important during the storm that we continue to do so, so we can show others this hope and peace and steadfastness that is only found in our Savior.

There is much to be done. People to love. People to help. Christian principles to be upheld. In the hard times especially it is time to step out of our comfort zone and do something new and daring for Christ. It is time to take our stand as Christians. We are His hands and His feet after all.

And He is the only answer … in times like these.

Dear Lord: Thank You that You are our God for all times. May we, as Your children, live like we believe that. We pray for our nation and for revival right now. Thank You that You have brought us through many hard times in the past, and that You can again. Please give us a sense of urgency to stand up for You, to be Your hands and feet to a world who so needs Your love and the hope that only comes through the steadfastness of being held by the anchor of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to step out of our comfort zone and take a stand for You to share the good news and spread Your love everywhere we go. Amen

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength Philippians 4:12-13

Listen to Mahalia Jackson’s “In Times Like These” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9jPfC7me5o

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. Please remember to subscribe on the page. Please share your experiences, comments and encouragement for others by replying below. May God always hold You close through the storms of life as you seek to serve Him.