THE LORD IS MY ROCK

 

Of the many tributes paid to her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, was the often noted reflection that during her reign the world underwent a series of rapid changes that were dramatic and unprecedented in human history. There were technological inventions that revolutionised the way people could access international travel options enabling them to be virtually anywhere in the world within a matter of hours. New forms of communication emerged with the development of a global satellite communications network enabling people to watch Neil Armstrong take his one giant leap Live on their black-and-white TV screens (as I did in the corridors of Corio Primary School in 1969). Space exploration, the stuff previously just in the realm of science fiction writers, became a reality with manned and unmanned voyages to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But the past one hundred years have also been a time of great upheaval with empires crumbling, governments toppled, wars waged, genocides committed, pandemics raging, nations birthed, rulers assassinated, and massive refugee movements from oppressive Islamic and Communist regimes. Added to this has been the demise of professional journalism and the rise of internet-citizen-journalism where it is now common for TV News reports to feature footage taken from someone’s cell-phone which was posted on social media rather than the more expensive option of sending their own film crew there. And while we’re mentioning the internet, let’s not forget to mention – the internet. This alone has possibly been the most monumental change in the way people communicate, work, learn, and shop. But while it was noted that the Queen had witnessed all of these many changes, it was also noted that the Queen herself was an unchanging constant during all these upheavals who brought about a sense of stability, peace and reassurance. To millions of people around the world, she was their rock in a world of turmoil and change. Yet this was only possible because she herself had an immovable, dependable rock upon which she had built her life.  

WHEN EVERYTHING AROUND YOU SEEMS TO BE CHANGING, YOU NEED A ROCK YOU CAN RELY ON

Before David of Bethlehem became King of Israel, he was wanted man who was being hunted by the government falsely accused of treason. He had gone from being a national hero and the son-in-law of the king where enjoyed fame, fortune and favour. But then everything changed. In his journal he described this change as, “Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked”. It seemed to David that his world was in upheaval. His wealth was gone. His wife had left him. His father disowned him. His father-in-law wanted to kill him. David had no choice but to flee from his former security into the wilderness of uncertainty. But it was there that he found in the foothills of the mountainous territories a huge hollowed out rock. In this cave David found a sanctuary. Everyone had abandoned him. He was alone with no-one to help him. It was then that he penned these words of a song –

Within this rock David reflected upon the only One who stood by Him. His Rock. The LORD. So much in his life was now uncertain, but there was one thing that remained certain. Because he had surrendered his life to the God who had made Heaven and Earth – he was certain that God would protect and guide him. He knew that if he called upon the LORD that he could rest in the assurance that only the unchanging God could bring.

Even though he was in the grip of depression, he had good reasons to turn to his Rock, the LORD, to Whom he could turn for help and guidance – 

The Queen had discovered what David had discovered long ago, that in the midst of massive change and uncertainty, there is One who remains unchanged in His goodness, care, faithfulness, and mercy, who is a Rock to those who enter into His fortress of care. It is in this hollow of safety that those who have taken refuge in Him are compelled to show Him their gratitude in worship.

“This God—His way is perfect; … for all those who take refuge in Him” became David’s declaration to all those who are ever unsettled by uncertainties and great upheaval. No matter what is rocking your world there is a Rock who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, who can your Rock too.

Your Pastor,

Andrew

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