Jesus, My Rock

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” Psalm 61:1-3

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save me from its guilt and power.

I feel impressed to continue the series I started last month, choosing some of the older hymns and commenting on the scriptures that inspired them. In the one published on March 3, I mentioned a family member who was battling cancer, and about the peace that the Lord gives at such a time. On February 29, my youngest sister went home to be with the Lord. I am so thankful for the peace, comfort, and strength that the Lord has given me and the rest of our family. Although we will miss her very much, we are glad she is past the suffering and pain.

As I read the above scripture, I began to form a picture in my mind. Let your imagination have free rein, and wander with me through a desert place. Thirsty, hungry, and tired, you have about reached the end of your resources. Then in the barren landscape, you see a rocky outcrop. With the last of your strength, you climb and find a hollow place that provides shelter from the sun. Hope springs in your heart. Here you can lay down the load you are carrying, and rest awhile. Something cool and wet touches your shoulder and as you look upwards, you see a tiny stream of water coming from a crevice in the rock. Here you will rest and have the strength to continue your journey.

We all face times in our lives when it looks like there is no hope. Our hearts are overwhelmed with sorrow, grief, and pain. But there is Someone who hears our cry and opens our eyes to see the Rock before us. Jesus is our shelter, our refuge from whatever storm we may be facing. His ear is ever open to our cry. No situation is too severe, no sorrow too deep, no burden too heavy, that He is not able to provide the peace and comfort that we need.

Are you wandering in a desert place today? Is there a situation in which you can see no hope? Why not give it to Jesus, and rest in the Rock of Ages?

Prayer:  Thank you, Jesus, that you are my rock, my shelter, and my fortress. I need not fear as I stand secure in your love and grace.

Devotion by Anne Johnston