The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
The imagery of God as a rock or Christ as the rock of our salvation is present throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, God is often described as “The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justices. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4). The prophet Samuel declared, “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).
In the Old Testament, a rock symbolized hope, refuge, and strength to the people of God in several ways.
It could provide essential shade, always needed in the merciless sun and heat of the desert (as in Isaiah 32:2).
It could provide shelter and protection in its cracks and crevasses (as in Exodus 33:22 and Proverbs 30:26).
It could provide a firm place to stand and fight, as opposed to sinking sand (as in Psalm 40:2).
David often praised His God for being the rock of salvation. As a battle-tested warrior who often faced danger, David needed God to be his rock, fortress, and deliverer. The Lord was the rock of his salvation. He took refuge in Him and needed the Lord’s protection continuously.
Unfortunately, the idea of God as the rock of His people is not used as consistently and intentionally as it should be in our theological discourse these days. As I get older and have experienced the vicissitudes of life, I have learned that God is my rock in a weary land. Like David, I declare, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Jesus is the rock upon which my faith is built. He alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress. Therefore, I can remain steadfast under trial, for when I have stood the tests, I will receive the crown of life (James 1:12). Because Jesus is my rock, I do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season I will reap the harvest that my redeemer promises. Therefore, my soul sings: “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.”
As humans, we face trials and challenges continuously. No one is immune from the burdens of life. Yet, those who trust in the Lord with all their hearts and have made Jesus their rock in a weary land can rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12).
There’s not a friend like Jesus. On Him rests our salvation and our victory. Therefore, let us trust in Him at all times. O people, pour out your heart before Him; Jesus is a refuge for those who trust in Him. (Psalm 62:7-8).
In times of sickness, we can go to the rock for healing. When troubles are harassing us, we can go to the rock for protection and deliverance. As we wrestle against powers and principalities, and spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places, let us go to our rock for refuge and strength. When we feel weak and defeated, we should go to the rock that has made us more than conquerors.
We do not have to fight our battles alone. Nor should we be anxious about anything. But in all circumstances, we should go to the rock through prayer to present our petitions and let Him fight our battles.
Questions for Personal Reflection
What are the benefits of having Jesus as our rock?
Why is Jesus the only rock we should stand on?
Prayer- Heavenly Father, thank you for being my rock in a weary land. In times of storm, please remind me to trust you and to wait steadfastly for your deliverance. May the anthem of my soul remain, “On Christ, the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
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