In Christ Alone
By Haley Roundtree
By Haley Roundtree
In 2018, my grandpa passed away. I remember him sitting down with us a few months prior as he explained the rapid effects of ALS and his acceptance that he’d be with the Lord very soon. It was very difficult to grasp – listening to someone I loved so dearly talk with my siblings and me about death. And yet, his words exemplified contentedness and peace. Though we all felt incredible sadness, he made it known that he trusted greatly in God’s plans. We celebrated his life in June of that year. During the service, one of his beloved friends sang for us the song “In Christ Alone.” To this day, I can still hear the words as they ring in my heart and my head:
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 John 14:6 (NIV), Jesus tells His disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” They didn’t understand where He was going and questioned how they would know the way to find Him. Jesus eases the disciples’ confusion as He explains that in His place, another Helper – the Holy Spirit – will teach them and be with them forever (v. 16 & 26). He reminds them that He will not leave them alone, though for a little while He will no longer be seen (v. 18).
By the irresistible grace of God, we have been gifted salvation for our souls. Our relationship with Him should lead us to adoration and praise, even in the moments that don’t make sense. During a time that felt profoundly painful, the reflection of John 14:6 in “In Christ Alone” demonstrated who God is. He is our hope, light, strength, song, Cornerstone, and solid ground. Through droughts and storms and in times of love and peace, He is our Comforter. He is our All in All, and our response is true love, true joy, and true life.
As this new year begins, I can’t help but reflect on all the ways that God has taught me to love Him and depend on Him. Like my grandpa, who loved the Lord with all his heart, all his mind, all his soul, and all his strength until his very last breath, it is my hope and prayer that we would truly find contentment in Christ alone.
Haley Roundtree is passionate about sharing the Gospel with those around her, whether face to face or through writing. She has a degree in English Literature and a wonderful job supporting and encouraging families in the Southern New Hampshire area.
She is also a small group leader for a fun group of high school girls in Trinity Baptist Church's Youth Ministry and part of their Young Adult Ministry as well. It is her hope that throughout her life, she'd steward all that she has and every opportunity given to her to glorify God and let the world know who He is!