Rock of salvation

“Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”

This psalm talks about so many things in life, salvation, hope, faith, trust, safety, protection. The nature of a rock is that of stability, permanence, immobility, resilience. Rocks in our world are as old as time itself. When I read this psalm I think of being in a rushing stream or rough water, with waves washing over me and I’m struggling to keep my head above water. But then I grab onto a rock and I hold on tight with all my strength. And I’m never going to let go because I know that this rock is the only thing that’s going to save me. And I imagine that sense of relief. One minute I’m panicking and fearing for my very life, and the next I’m saved, secure as long as I hold on. Knowing that there is a rock that saves me also means that I’m more prepared to take on difficult challenges without fear. Without God, we’re on our own.

Life will land us in stormy waters, and no life is without its tempests. What do we hold on to? What is it that keeps us from drowning and being overwhelmed? God is that rock and he gives the command to save us. Every single time. There is nothing more solid than God, or more ever present, or permanent. God is not someone who will vapourise when things get tough, in fact, the tougher things get, the more he comes in to bat for us. If you are getting battered by life, no matter what the problems are, God is there in the tempest, holding you firm and raising you up out of harms way. God is that rock in the rough water, the source of salvation and refuge, taking the hammering for you but remaining unshaken and immovable.

It’s good to remember when things get tough that we have a rock of salvation that we can go to, anytime, and every time.