God – My Rock

Scripture:  Psalms 78:35 – They remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their redeemer.

The word “rock” is used over 24 times in Psalms with reference to God.  “Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower (Psalms 18:2).  I understand the use of “rock” after I read its Old Testament background.  God caused water to flow from a rock.  Moses reflected on this event on the shores of the Jordan, and the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan.  “Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock. (Deuteronomy 8:15).  Later, Moses was between a rock and a hard place in the wilderness.  God hid him in the “cleft of the rock” and covered him for protection (Exodus 33:22).  With these background experiences, Moses was the first in scripture to use the word “rock” in a figurative sense in connection with God.  This term “rock” reminds us that God is the source of our physical blessings.  We are to rely on the goodness and providence of God.  Jesus taught us to pray.  “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).  

The rock in the wilderness was a source of water (therefore life). Also, the word “rock” had the idea of strength.  Rocks were used in biblical times to build walls, towers, and fortresses.  God is our source of strength in times of danger, distress, and sorrow.  God is our refuge.  Like Moses, we can hide and be protected in the cleft of the rock.  The “rock” symbolism is also in the New Testament with reference to Christ – who is the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).  He is the rock of offense to those who reject Him (Romans 9:33, I Peter 2:7-8).  He is the spiritual rock for those who obey Him (I Corinthians 10:4).  Have you experienced Jesus being your rock?


My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid rock I stand!  All other ground is sinking sand.  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for being our rock!  Let us hide ourselves in Thee.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)