Led to the Rock

From the end of the earth I call for you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  – Psalm 61:2 

Have you ever felt truly overwhelmed by the circumstances of life? Have your emotions been on a virtual rollercoaster, high one moment and descending quickly the next? What do you do when you face a difficult situation in your life? 

In today’s psalm David was quick to acknowledge his emotions before the Lord. “My heart is faint.” He did not allow himself to wallow in his weariness and discouragement, but instead, he called on God. In his prayer, as David often did, he reminded the Lord of His faithfulness in days gone by. “For you have been a refuge, a strong tower.” He expresses that confidence once again… certain of God’s protection. David recalled to God the times He had heard his prayers. While God doesn’t need reminding, David’s faith does! Then he petitions the Lord, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” At the base of so majestic a rock, he could be hidden. From its apex, he is granted a clear perspective to see above and beyond his circumstances. 

Theologian Matthew Henry writes, “God’s power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is Christ. … David found that he could not be fixed from the Rock of salvation, unless the Lord placed him upon it. As there is safety in Him, and none in ourselves, let us pray to be led to and fixed upon our Rock! “ 

Nearly 200 years ago, William O. Cushing authored this hymn: “O safe in the Rock that is higher than I, My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly. So sinful—so weary—Thine, thine would I be, Thou blest ‘Rock of Ages,’ I’m hiding in Thee.”