Rock of ages

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? (Psalm 18:30–31, NIV)

I know I should have a picture of rocks from the Holy Land, but the rocks on the West Coast of Ireland speak to me deeply.

Today David again calls God the rock who provides him refuge. It may seem repetitious, but as Charles Spurgeon said in The Treasury of David, “Second thoughts upon God’s mercy should be and often are the best.”

As Moses was preparing the Israelites to go into the Promised Land, he sang a song about the Lord and uses very similar words to David’s: “He is the Rock, his works are perfect…” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Clearly God as the rock, sure foundation, and provider of refuge was an important image to our heroes in the faith.

In the desert lands of the Bible, rocks were a welcome sight as they would provide shade from the scorching heat of the sun. Underneath their cover the desert creatures and plants would flourish, and a weary traveler would find shelter, rest, and perhaps even a spring of water. Rocks were also the foundation to the fortresses that would provide safety from attacking troops.

The image of the rock is important in the New Testament too. Jesus says that those who put his teachings into practice are like “a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Though the elements raged against it, it didn’t fall. And Jesus renamed Simon “Peter,” the Greek word for rock, saying, “and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).

God wants to be the foundation of our lives. He is filled with the strength that does not waver and a solidity that will not crack. As we look to him for help, he will provide shelter and refreshment. The need might be financial – negative equity on a mortgage or out-of-control fuel prices. The need might be emotional – for someone to love and be loved by. Or it might be physical – for healing and restoration. He will provide answers; perhaps not as we would, but according to his mercy and wisdom. For his way is perfect and his word is flawless.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the rock of our lives, a mighty fortress who never fails. We look to you for shelter, rest, and refreshment.