Geared to the times, anchored to the Rock

That was the old slogan of "Youth for Christ". We face new challenges everyday. The world seems to move faster than ever before. Changes are rapid. We oldies find it hard to keep pace with the changes.

More than sixteen years have gone since we returned home to retire. The family gave me a pager - the first one I ever had. That was great - family and friends could page me and I would go to the nearest public telephone to contact the caller.

Today when I talk to our grandchildren about a pager the response is "What's that?" Nobody uses a pager. The pager is obsolete. Almost everyone in Singapore has a mobile phone, iPod or iPad. New models appear very quickly.

We need to keep up with the times or to put it another way - be relevant. The elderly can go to the community centres to get lessons on using the computer. When I am stuck, all I need do is to ask our grandchildren. They are the experts.

One thing remains unchanged - we cannot live without God. So remember "Geared to the times, anchored to the Rock."

1 Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Chorus
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!


2 Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?


3 Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil.


4 Will your eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life's storms are past for evermore? (Priscilla J Owens)