Flying with Thursday's Word with Brenda Smith

Thursday's Word



Deniz Altindas

In the Old Testament rocks were quite significant. In the wilderness during the sudden storms in the Middle East shepherds and sojourners would often nestle under a large rock for shelter. When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness they were without water at one point and Moses struck a large rock and water burst forth (Numbers 20:1-20). Sacrifices were often made on large rocks. And in Psalm 62 the Lord is described as our rock. The word "rock" in Psalm 62 could also be translated as "fortress/fort."

Sometimes when we are going through a really difficult season in life, we look to ourselves to our own shelter from the storm, to be our own rock. The problem is that no matter how strong you are, eventually you will face something bigger than you, eventually you will find yourself the "under man" instead of the "over man", eventually you will find that being your own rock or island does not work. That is why so many people struggle with anxiety. Sometimes instead of looking to ourselves to be a rock we may look to family members to be that rock for us, but that does not always work out either. They may help for awhile, but they too, have problems. In those seasons of anxiety, you need a rock, a fort, a shelter.

That is why the write of Psalm 62 emphasizes again and again: "(God) alone is my rock and my salvation.. He alone is my rock and my salvation...God is my rock and my strong refuge."

And this brings us to the good news of the gospel: Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. Jesus, the Son of God, was no stranger to anxiety. Throughout his earthly ministry he was hounded by critics, undermined by the religious leaders, scorned by people in his hometown. In the Garden of Gethsemane hours before his suffering and death Jesus' anxiety reached a fever pitch as he sweated drops of blood.  HE died for those of you whose forts have been leveled by the storms of life, and for those of you who have been knocked off your feet by the amps of life.

Jesus freely offers you this salvation; freely offers you Himself as a rock, a fort, a shelter from the storm, an offer that, like the suffering in your life, is "always and absolutely personal." The good news of the gospel is that Jesus is your rock and your salvation. "Come in" He says, "I'll give you shelter from the storm."  I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"

Amen.

May God continue to bless you is my prayer