Hardly would one come across a rock that is not solid, yet one songwriter talks in terms of a solid rock. Would that mean that there are some rocks that move or are not well-grounded? Could it have been something peculiar about its makeup or characteristics for it to have been qualified solid? Would it be that it is intended to portray its character of stability and its trustworthiness?

Whenever we describe something as solid, it is to depict its everlasting nature, its durability. It even goes beyond that, it is to underline its reliability – it cannot falter, waver or change. It is immoveable and unshakeable in all circumstances, whatever the cost.

Is there someone around you to whom you can attribute these characteristics?Have you ever met someone who strikes you as having a solid personality? Someone who is the same yesterday, today and forever? With difficulty you may search the whole world and not find someone whom you can refer to as a solid rock.

Yet the Bible says of our Lord Jesus: “He changes not. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

The songwriter in his/her conviction penned these lyrics:

“My hope is built on nothing else,

Than on Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest spring,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.”

To have sung the praises of God, there is no doubt, the songwriter must have been through an experience, a crisis, a problem or a difficulty for which our Lord Jesus had seen him/her through. Jesus saves and moreover, He is steadfast and true. He had brought us out of the pit and the miry clay: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:2) when nobody else could and when all our efforts to help ourselves had failed. “Without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b)

He has been the pillar to lean on, the shoulder to cry on, our shield against the darts of the enemy, (Psalm 28:7) our shelter in the storm, (Psalm 61:4) our fortress in times of danger (Psalm 18:2; 71:3) – the one to run into and feel safe, and our refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1) He has been all of that to us – our All in all.

God says in His Word, the Bible: “Call to me, and I will answer you and I tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3) “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2)

Nothing can be more assuring that these words of comfort to boost up our morale. Nothing is so marvelous than when we come out of a situation victorious because the hand of God was manifested strongly in our favour. This is the songwriter’s testimony: On Christ the solid rock I stand. I dare not trust the things that are temporary, fleeting passions, but the things that endure and have meaning.

It is the moment to give praise and to give thanks for all He has done on our behalf against the evil one who is seeking daily to destroy us. Glory!

The songwriter is specific about his praise though. S/he writes that his/her hope is built on nothing else than on Jesus’ blood and righteousness – two very strong words that are imbued with meaning and convey a lot of spiritual sense.

The blood of Jesus is precious, it is no ordinary blood. It is unlike the blood of goats and sheep. “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4) The blood shed on the cross of Calvary was intended to save humanity from sin. “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

The blood of Jesus bought us back, redeemed us (Revelation 1:5) from death and sin and made us His. Our relation with God, our Maker, has been restored ever since. This act was done once and for everybody – those who believe in Christ Jesus and would like to claim it.

We have been saved from death into life everlasting through Christ the Anointed One - born to save sinners. (Matthew 1:21). That same blood has brought us healing from every kind of disease and sickness; it has also set us apart as God’s chosen, after having justified us. (Romans 5:9)

On what is your hope built? Nothing in this world is everlasting; everything will pass away except the word of God. “The grass withers, the flower fades but the word of God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) His blood has set us free for a purpose.

It was freely given. It washes clean past, present and future sins. Make Jesus your solid rock for life everlasting of which He alone is the source.