March 29, 2026
In Times Like These
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
The hymn begins with a simple observation that has resonated through generations: “In times like these…” These opening words acknowledge an enduring truth—that every era brings its own unique challenges, upheavals, and reasons for anxiety. The song’s continued relevance across decades testifies to humanity’s consistent experience of uncertainty and our persistent need for something unshakable.
What makes this song so timeless is precisely that times are always changing. The specific threats may transform—from world wars to economic depressions, from cultural revolutions to technological disruptions, from pandemics to environmental concerns—but the fundamental human need for stability amid chaos remains constant.
Scripture acknowledges this. The psalmist wrote of times when “the earth gives way” and “mountains fall into the sea”—powerful metaphors for the collapse of what seemed most permanent. Jesus warned of coming days with “wars and rumors of wars.” Paul described “terrible times in the last days.” Each biblical writer recognized that challenging times aren’t anomalies but recurring features of human experience.
The song’s enduring power lies in its prescription for peace—the reminder that when everything else proves unstable, God remains our unshakable foundation. This core truth transcends changing circumstances. Whether facing persecution in the early church, plague in medieval Europe, world wars in the twentieth century, or today’s unique challenges, believers through history have anchored themselves to the same unchanging Rock. Times change. God doesn’t. That’s why the song still matters.
Today’s Prayer: Eternal God, thank You for being my unchanging foundation when the mountains of my life seem to crumble. Amen.
Reflection Question: How can anchoring yourself to God help stabilize you against current anxieties?