“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2 NLT)

Rocks are my best friends or my most scathing enemies.

Encountering rocks is common when hiking in the mountains. During the years that my brother, children, and I hiked, rocks were a common feature on the trails that we travelled. Sometimes, they slowed us down significantly.

One of our favourite mountain destinations required passing over a mountain appropriately named Rocky Mountain. Especially in the winter months, we had to choose our steps carefully. Rocks were wet, and water turned to ice during the cold months. These same wet rocks attracted algae in the summer months, making them as slippery as when they were coated with ice.

But rocks are also advantageous. When on a steep incline of a particularly high mountain, rocks provide firm footing that soil itself doesn’t give, making the climb easier.

Using a metaphor, in today’s verse, David said that his God was a rock. Certain characteristics of God reminded David of rocks, with which he was no doubt familiar. He had been a shepherd who allowed sheep to graze in fields dotted by rocks.

I’ve discovered the same truth as David did. Like a rock, God remains when others walk out. Large boulders are unmovable without heavy equipment or geological upheavals. I can depend on God to be there for me when others aren’t. He will never disappoint me. Rockslides are common in the mountains, but God is not like any of those rocks that water, construction, or tremors dislodge. He remains steadfast.

Like a solid rock, God provides better footing for life. When I stand on a relationship with Him and the principles of His Word, my life’s footing is solid. Even when troubles and trials come, He gives the footing of grace, wisdom, and faith to press on without bitterness, anger, or frustration.

Like many rocks, more of God exists than we ever see. The bulk of many rocks is underground. The evidence of God’s work in my life is never as apparent as what is actually happening. He is forever behind the scenes, moulding me into the image of Christ, and working for my good. In tragedies, crises, and tough times, He may seem hidden, but He is never absent.

Let’s make God the rock in our lives. He will never disappoint us, but He will provide the stability that we need for every life event.

Prayer: Father, be our rock of refuge that we run to and stand upon during the course of our lives. Amen.


Copyright © 2021, by Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission