November 16, 2022

“On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand: / All other ground is sinking sand; / All other ground is sinking sand.”

Those are the words of the 19th century hymn “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less.” All other ground is sinking sand? Sounds a little glum, but the hymnist is just naming reality. Sometimes life feels like quicksand, sometimes slow erosion. Either way, any hope built on what is ephemeral is hope misplaced. As the psalmist says, “Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.” (Psalm 103:15)

Standing on Christ, however, we are secure, solid, unshakeable. Even death will not sink us.

“Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought togetherunder his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 29 – BCP)