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Listen while you read: "Abide With Me"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 18:2 – 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. (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.
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daughter: "Update May 12, 2025: Please keep praying for my daughter. She needs the Lord in her life*** April..." 
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Thank you.
Awesome devotional.
Thank you, that means a lot. God bless.
Amen. thanks for this devotional. God’s blessings.
Excellent! Thanks,
(BC)
Thank you for this encouraging message.
Take good care and be safe.
God bless.
What an excellent and true devotional – just what I needed on a Monday morning when I was feeling low. Always appreciate your devotionals, they are down to earth and so clear.
Greetings Martin,
Thanks for this very meaningful devotional. Yes, our Lord truly is a steadfast rock for us. He is ever there for us and ready to guide us through endless circumstances. We owe Him abundant gratitude. Blessings for your special writings.
Hi Martin,
Thank you for Today’s Devotional. The sentence, “He may seem hidden, but He is never absent.” especially resonated with me as I have been struggling for the past few months.
Blessings on you and your writing.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. When I lived in Newfoundland, I was told that it was nicknamed, “The Rock”, since that is what it is… a gigantic rock! It’s also a place where people survived due to the Atlantic cod fishery. There’s nothing so good as fresh cod caught that morning and eaten at lunchtime. Yummy! Blessings.
Thank you, Martin. How very true. Jesus has been my Rock ever since I was a small girl. He led me so very clearly when I was directed to say yes to the man I agreed to marry. He was a strong man, and we were married over sixty years. I have been a widow for many years and God has faithfully led me all these years.
May God bless you.
Ah, Martin, how God uses you in these writings! I really needed to hear this one today. ‘Rocks’ being the daughter and granddaughter of prospectors, are a major ingredient in my life. Graduating from university with a degree in mining, my father found tin but unfortunately it was wartime and once their mine started producing, the government pounced on it, confiscated the ore, and built a radar station on top, once the tin ran out. At any rate, a ‘rock,’ is much more than a rock to me but the spiritual significance that you give them is the one I needed most today. Blessings.
Good morning, Martin,
I really like the comment “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.” It is so true that we do not know or even realize how much God is shaping our lives or how important our faith is to who we become. This is a powerful devotional which will take a few readings to grasp all that you are saying.
Thank you for being a rock with your devotionals and always willing to share your thoughts and wisdom to inspire and encourage others. May you be blessed with me more rocks on your journey. Blessings.
Wow Martin! Another wonderful message!
So many hymns and anthems flooded my mind reinforcing the message. Many years ago, our Teen Choir even did a musical called ‘Solid as the Rock’!
There was so much that you included that spoke to me.
It’s now over 2 years since my husband died so suddenly and God surely has given me the footing to press on and move forward! He really never disappoints and you’re absolutely right, He does provide stability needed even during a pandemic!
Thanks for writing such an inspiring and encouraging message!
Blessings!