Lead Me To The Rock

Have you had those times when you just needed to get alone and talk to God?

You thought you were doing the right thing, but doubts came flooding in on you?

You find yourself both wondering about the future and trying to analyze the past.

There were times when I lived overseas, and things would be difficult, and I would need to clear my mind and spirit. I would hike out to a solitary place, sit on a rock, think, and pray. Some days I felt like I was at the end of the earth out there and my heart was overwhelmed. But as I prayed, peace would always come. Scriptures would come to mind and assure me that God was my refuge, and He was in control. He understands us wherever we are.

I was reminded of some of those times this week as I read Psalm 61. Verses 1-5 brought back some memories of those days to me.

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee,
when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For thou hast been a shelter for me,
and a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in thy tabernacle forever:
I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows:
thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.”

This Psalm talks of God being a place of asylum and refuge. A place of security and protection. God is pictured here in four diverse ways: a shelter, a strong tower, a tabernacle, and a covert (refuge).

When things seem tough and we feel overwhelmed or doubts come at us, we can rely on God’s character to bring us through. When I wondered how my children would feel about their mission experience, and I knew only God could speak to their hearts; I could only pray.

God in His mercy heard those prayers and orchestrated their way. I can say, “He has given me the heritage of those that fear His name.” I am so humbled by that and thankful.

Can you think back to some times when you just needed some quiet space and time alone with God to sort things out?   Can you see now where God has met you in those times?

Do you have a special place you like to go to find solitude and peace?