Dear Church,

One of the great ‘treasures’ of the whole Church is the songs of faith that were handed down to us (and the new ones being written today!). They help teach and reinforce what it is we believe. They help encourage and inspire. They can help us Biblically and theologically (though some songs-new and old-aren’t the best examples of ‘sound’ theology!).

A song on my heart and mind today seems especially good for these stormy times we’re living in. The world of nature has been marked by many destructive storms of late. The realm of politics in Washington, and globally-is “stormy” to put it mildly. And then there are the personal ‘storms’ of life we face, with physical health or mental health, in relationships, with changes and challenges, and with loss.

Here’s the saying of Jesus that inspired the hymn I have in mind: “Everyone, then, who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on rock.” -Matthew 7:24

And here’s the song that’s reminding and encouraging me this week: My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. No merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand!

When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other grand is sinking sand!

What is keeping you ‘centered’ in these times we’re living in? How does being part of the body of Christ, and this family of faith help us navigate stormy times together? Keep ‘singing’ and serving! And with the season of Lent starting on March 5, with Ash Wednesday, we have an extra opportunity to draw nearer to Christ, who is not just our hope, but our reason for being! Grace and peace,

- Pastor Paul