On The Rock

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.”
Psalm 27:5

Names are important. Did you know that rock is not only a thing, a kind of music and a place, but that it is also a name? The name Peter means “rock or stone” The surname Carrick also means “rock or stone.” In both cases we are not talking about the size of stone you might skip across the surface of a pond but, rather a really significant rock – more like a boulder or one of the amazing rock formations you might find around the world. The size of this kind of rock might be used to identify a place it’s so big. Did you know that one of God’s names is Rock?

This week’s passage comes from one of David’s songs in its entirety it about having an unswerving faith and trust in the Lord God who in other places in Scripture especially in the Old Testament who is called the Rock. David makes it clear the he trusts God to keep him safe to set him on a rock above the dangers and doubts he is facing. What occurred to me as I read this passage this week is that David is using a powerful power to help us see an even more powerful truth. How many of you have ever stood upon a large stone and had a feeling of victory come over you. Maybe it’s been awhile since you’ve done that. That’s the image I see David describing in this passage God has set him on a solid place high above the battle of life, where he is safe and can find rest. But then the picture changes and rather than seeing a rock perhaps of granite or sandstone or limestone or whatever, instead of a mass of pressure treated mineral I see God. God is the Rock upon which David trusts and finds rest. God is the firm foundation we can all stand on.

As I write this a dear friend far away mourns the loss of two important people in her life. A number of people I know are dealing with major health issues. Plenty of people are still dealing with the effects of a bad economy. A huge earthquake has devastated parts of Italy and the list of struggles and storms we humans face on this planet could go on and on.

David says in the “days of trouble He will keep us safe in His house and He’ll set us on a high and solid rock” so we can rest safely and survey the landscape of our lives – remembering the victories and provisions of the past and looking for the lightening of the sky as a sign that the storm will pass.

He is the high Rock on which we stand. He will keep us safe in the midst of the storms and trials of life. All we have to do is have faith and trust.

A Prayer
Father – forgive us for the times when we allow doubt to keep us fearful and stuck in the mire of difficulties. Life won’t be easy You said it would be hard, but that You would always be there. Make straight our paths and when necessary set us on the high Rock of your amazing strength, security, mercy and love. Help us to lift others onto that Rock so they can find the peace and rest they need. In the name of Jesus, who is our firm foundation, the solid Rock – Amen.