I was a teenager the first time I ever went to Akron Falls Park in Western, New York. Our church picnic was held in the scenic, spacious county park. We enjoyed playing games, eating hotdogs and hamburgers, and fellowshipping. One of my best memories, however, is the nature walk. My family members and friends from church took a hike through the woodsy area. We marveled over the trees, waterfall and all the critters, and reptiles we spotted.

We walked as close as we could to the water and balanced ourselves on large rocks to keep from falling in. I was totally intrigued the first time we spotted small toads hopping in the shallow water. It was a wonderful getaway that allowed us to get lost in the wonders of nature for hours.

Though I was fascinated, I was a bit nervous as well. I was paranoid that I might fall into the murky water. I let my imagination run away with me and envisioned ominous creatures lurking beneath the water’s surface, waiting to do me harm. The only time I felt secure is when I was standing on top of a big rock. I knew I would not sink as long as I kept my feet planted there.

In the natural, large rocks represent stability, like Britain’s amazing Rock of Gibraltar, for example. It is a 426 meter high limestone rock rising out of the seas. It can be seen for many miles. It is a symbol of strength. But I know a Rock that is even greater than the Rock of Gibraltar.

His name is Jesus Christ.

And when we are being threatened by fear, worry, negative situations and thoughts, if we to plant our feet firmly on this Rock, we will not be shaken. We can stand in any storm and rise above whatever comes to overthrow us.

This makes me think about something I was reading today in Psalm 61. This psalm is attributed to David as he was going through a distressing situation. He said in verses 1-2, “Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

I love these verses because they remind me and you that our Savior, “the Rock that is higher than I,” elevates us above our trouble and distress. He keeps us from being overwhelmed by rivers of sorrow, waves of disappointment and difficulty.

Some scholars believe David wrote this psalm when his son Absalom was trying to kill him. Remember? Whether you do or don’t, let’s refresh ourselves on the details.

Absalom, David’s overly ambitious and passionate son, killed his brother Amnon in 2 Samuel 13 for raping their sister Tamar. Then, after committing murder, he ran away to a place called Geshur and stayed there for three whole years. Eventually, David reunited with his wayward son, but it wasn’t a happy reunion. Absalom’s heart was impure. He wanted to be king in David’s stead, so he came up with a plan to stage a coup and overthrow Daddy by any means necessary.

He was ruthless.

Absalom turned a lot of people against David and it didn’t look good. But the truth remained that Absalom did not have authorization from Heaven to take the throne from David. God had a covenant with David, which was prophesied through a prophet named Nathan (See 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17:11–14 and 2 Chronicles 6:16).

This unconditional divine covenant said that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would come through the lineage of David, and the tribe of Judah, and would establish a Kingdom that would never end. So Absalom wasn’t coming against David. He was coming against the sovereign will of God! He was fighting a losing battle, because He was fighting against the Lord. Sadly, Absalom lost his life in this ill-fated war.

One day, while he was riding on his mule during the battle he initiated. The mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. Absalom’s head got caught in the oak, leaving him hanging, while the mule that was under him kept running.

Absalom died there.

With that context, the words of David come alive in Psalm 61:3, where He wrote to God, “You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.”

And friend, the same God that shielded David from the attack of the enemy, shields you. The same God who preserved David’s life and manifested every promise, will do the same for you.

I don’t know what you may be going through today. Perhaps the waters are rough; the storm is raging. Maybe one of the following scenarios describes you: your bills are due and some of them are well overdue; your finances are in a mess; your health is declining; your peace is nonexistent; your confidence is shaken; your mind is troubled; your hope is leaving; your children are rebelling; a loved one has betrayed you; your heart is broken; your patience is wearing thin; you’re stressed and distressed; you need God to help you; your flesh is crying out, where is God? Where is the deliverance of which He spoke? Where are the answers? Where is the manifestation?

In overwhelming times, when you have more questions than answers, pray David’s prayer: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Lead me to the Rock that is stronger than I.

Lead me to the Rock that is more powerful than I.

Lead me to the Rock that can see further than I.

Lead me to the Rock who has a better plan than I.

Lead me to the Rock that has more wisdom and understanding than I.

Lead me to the Rock that is more capable than I.

When you go to the Rock, you’ll find refuge. You’ll find help. You’ll find protection. You’ll find favor. You’ll find breakthrough; you’ll find deliverance; you’ll find safety; you’ll find overwhelming grace.

Today, remember, whenever God allows life to get rocky, He’s urging you to go to the Rock. Keep your feet firmly planted there and you shall not be moved; you will not slip; you will not fall; you will not be defeated; you will not lose; you will, however, overcome!

To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring Psalm 18:2 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, know that you have a refuge and a very present help in trouble. For every stronghold the enemy uses against you, you have a divine stronghold—a defense and refuge—to combat the weapons of the enemy.

God has all power in His hand and He’s using that power to bless you; to snatch you out of the grip of the adversary; and to bring you into your place of promise.

Now let’s pray.

God, thank You for reminding me that You are my refuge. I will meditate on Your promises, trust in Your faithfulness, and plant my feet firmly upon the Rock as I wait for You to perform everything You’ve said. It is coming to pass. I believe it! It is done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!

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