“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (Psalms 23:5a, NIV2)

The tower of Bidouane, an important defence system of St. Malo, France, was built in the second half of the 15th century. What is unique about the location of the town of St. Malo is the numerous rocks protruding from the surrounding sea, especially in its North East corner, between Fort National and the town itself.

Towards the end of 1693, a fleet of thirty Anglo-Dutch ships appeared on the horizon. Their purpose was to conquer the famous town of St-Malo, and to do so, they brought with them a ship that contained a diabolic machine that would break down the city walls. For two years it had been designed and constructed under the orders of Prince William of Orange. The ship was truly a monster, weighing 300 tons and measuring 84 feet in length. It was well defended with its 23 canons. Its sails were ominous black, and its sides were filled with powder, bombs and shrapnel. Just the sight of the monster filled anyone with fear.

This same ship, with the 29 other ships in the Anglo-Dutch fleet, was now approaching St. Malo. The idea was for the other ships to bomb Fort National, while this special ship would move in to destroy the walls of St. Malo. But a turbulent wind from the west suddenly accosted the ship, causing it to run aground on the rocks between Fort National and St. Malo. It exploded, thanks to its own crew (They were determined to take over St. Malo!), but it did not impact the city at all, as it was way too far from the city’s walls, and seeing what was happening, the other 29 ships in the fleet turned and fled.

During all of this, the inhabitants of St. Malo simply enjoyed their evening meal. They knew that the rocks surrounded the city were their best defence. That diabolic ship filled with gun powder would have no effect on that city at all.

“They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4, MSG)

Why fear if we rely on the real Rock?

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Devotions From the Psalms” devotional series, please click here.)