God is your strong rock – June 11
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm [70], 71; PM Psalm 74; Eccles. 11:1-8; Gal. 5:16-24; Matt. 16:13-20
When I was a kid, my mom made us play outside most of the summer days. We jumped on the trampoline, ran around with our dog, rode bikes as we got older, and found ways to amuse ourselves in general. The lower part of our backyard had rocks spread around. It was a bit wild, and sometimes overgrown. My sisters and I would prowl about, watching for birds, pretending to ride horses, or acting out some other dramatic roleplay. There was a privet hedgerow in the lower quarter of the yard, and at the edge of that privet was a large rock. I remember perching upon that white quartz-like rock.
When I was angered by someone or some punishment inside the house, I would sometimes flee to the backyard and sit on the rock. I was hidden – as far as I could tell – from the prospect of the kitchen window. I would cry, sing, sulk…imagining with great clarity and certainty that I would go far away and never come back again, or lamenting the great injustice that I felt had been levied against me inside. After a while, I would calm down, the sun would begin setting, or my mom would call out the back door for me. If I was being really stubborn or dramatic, one of my sisters would come out and implore me to come inside. When I was recharged and ready, I reconnected with my family. That rock was a source of respite, a strong rock to keep me safe. Years later, my sister Wayles referred to it as her rock of safety and retreat. I guess it was a source of comfort for both of us! When we sold our mom’s house, we said goodbye to that rock, and carried many memories with us.
In Psalm 71, the psalmist recounts that God has continued to provide deliverance and protection through his years. Amid all of the perils and changes during life, the Lord has been faithful and immovable, like a sturdy rock or mountain: “Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; you are my crag and my stronghold.” We hear similar phrasing in Psalm 31: “Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold; for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.” As we pray these psalms over and over through the Daily Office, and through our lives, these prayers and songs hold up for us a framework of what faithful living as God’s people can look like. It isn’t always perfect. We have internal failures and weaknesses. We wrestle with insecurities, addictions, and sin. We have enemies who speak out against us. We have disputes with those we love. And yet, we see the beauty and righteousness of God. The Lord has brought us up from the deep places into which we’ve descended. In patience, we perch upon the rock of God’s safety and dependability. God brings us strength and comfort, so that when we’re ready, we reconnect with the joy and hope in God’s promise.
Wherever you find yourself today, cling to God as your strong rock, the castle to keep you safe.
-- Katherine+
Questions for Reflection
Who is a “rock” in your life?
In what ways do you lean upon God?
Daily Challenge
If you are able, go on a walk today. Look for a rock that can bear the weight of cares and concerns in your heart.