In Christ Alone

Turn on the news or navigate to your favorite news site, and you’ll likely encounter headlines such as: “N. Korea Threatens U.S.,” “Russia Violates Treaty,” “Iraq Crisis,” “Fighting Intensifies In Libya,” “Militants In Syria Put Victims’ Heads On Poles,” “Japanese HS Girl Decapitates Classmate,” “Abduction of Cameroonian Official’s Wife,” and “MH17 Downing.” 

Evil is nothing new in this world. It does, however, seem like people are a lot crazier these days.  I’m sure it’s because our technology makes it easier for us to hear about bad things more often, but it still makes you wonder.  Every time I hear about mass shootings, murdered children, tortured women, terrorist attacks, corrupt governments, etc., etc., etc., it makes me worry about my and especially my children’s future.

A couple of weeks ago, soon after the Stay family was murdered by the crazed ex-brother-in-law, we sang a song during worship called “In Christ Alone.”  The murder was fresh on my mind that day, and I was particularly disturbed by the thought of those kids being so scared as they were tied up. When tragedies like that happen, I tend to imagine how I would handle it if my family and I were the victims.  As our congregation began to sing, the words of the song overwhelmed me and gave me an immediate sense of peace.

Click to hear the song.

In Christ alone my hope is found;

He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,

Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—

This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

"In Christ Alone"

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music

The last verse: “No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home – here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.”  That’s all the comfort I need – no matter what happens in this life, no matter what evils I may face, Christ has all the power in my life.

There will be times when I become depressed over the world’s tragedies, or I may even find myself smack in the middle of tragedy, but I know I can find strength and comfort in the fact that I’m a member of Christ’s body, and he’ll one day take us home.

If you’re reading this, you probably know me personally. If you don’t, I appreciate your interest all the same.  Either way, I sincerely hope you’ll search the scriptures to know how to become a member of Christ’s church so you too can find comfort in the words of this awesome song.