HE ONLY is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62:2 KJV
If you are trying to be your own rock, WATCH OUT!
The forecast is calling for rough winds throughout the rest of the century up until…at least when Jesus returns.
I use several versions of the Bible, but for this verse I particularly like the King James Version. Notice carefully that the Psalmist is being gut honest with us. It says when God is my rock and my salvation, my defense, I shall not be greatly moved. Here’s the part not to skip…the Psalmist does not say he will not be moved, he says he shall not be greatly moved.
I can identify with the Psalmist.
Now I don’t know about you. Maybe you are much more righteous than I and you “never” experience movement in your Christian walk. Your trust is never affected by the changing times, the uncertainties of life, or the fear of the unknown. You simply trust Him every day. The winds and trials of life don’t sway you from a solid faith. There is no doubt in your heart. You have rock-solid faith everyday. Good job with that super faith.
But as for me, I still move.
No, I don’t want to move. I don’t want to waver in my faith. I know God can do immeasurably more than I can think or imagine. I want constant, powerful, unmovable faith.
Sometimes I still struggle a bit in my faith.
Okay, total transparency here…sometimes…depending on the day or the circumstances…sometimes I struggle a lot…
Thankfully though, I have found from steady experience that the more I grow in my relationship with Christ, the more I get to know Him, if I will consistently seek to make Him Lord of my life, even though the winds keep coming, they have far less impact on me.
My faith is stronger today than it was in years past. That’s probably good, because storms and times of testing seem only to get bigger as time passes. The good news, however, as my trust in Christ has grown…
I’m less likely to be GREATLY moved.
I bounce back to my faith in the Solid Rock of God quicker than I used to do. Over time and by experience, I’ve learned that when I allow Him to be the Rock, instead of me trying to be my own, or even relying on others for my strength…when I cast all my cares on the One who cares for me…I find I am much more powerful to meet the storms of life.
Be honest. Are you allowing Him to be your Rock, or are you trying to do things on your own?
Ron! It happens at times. I try to do things on my own; on my own strength; in my human capacity. The temptation to hold God as last resort is overwhelming. I need to be careful to be God dependent at all times. One way of doing this is by flexing our gratitude muscle .
Amen. I like that Uma.
Through all the pain, difficulty and tribulation, what's been the two constants?
1) God has been true
2) I have been untrue.
Amen
Amen, Ron. I know so many people who struggle with their personal lives or can't seem to understand things like why bad things happen and I know it's all because they have put their faith and hope and seek understanding either from themselves, another person, or the world's view; none of which will ever satisfy.
I think there's also a third option here. There's Him as your rock, something else as your rock, and you "know" that He's should be your rock, but you have trouble keeping your eyes on Him and then like Peter walking on the water we start to drown.
Good call
ROCK on!
Ha! Amen!
Thanks for your honesty in this post. It's really refreshing to hear from a pastor who is willing to say he still struggles. Sometimes a lot. As a pastor's wife, I sometimes feel pressure to pretend I don't struggle and I know my husband sometimes feels that pressure as well.
It's so true that our burden is lightened when we stop trying to crowd God out. When we allow Him to be our Rock.
You are very correct. My philosophy is just to continually make mistakes and tell my church about them. 🙂 Seriously, the more transparent I am the more it seems to attract the people I'm really trying to reach…who are honest about their own shortcomings.God bless you pastor's wife. You have the most difficult job in the church in my opinion.
Thanks Ron! I needed this today!
I just posted about the kind of man I want to be and I referenced Jim Elliot. I see him as having been an incredible, sold-out disciple of Jesus and I want to model after his example. I desperately want to have the same impact he talked about when he prayed God would make him a "crisis man" (read the post for more detail!), but as you say here – I cannot do this on my own.
It would be easy to fall back to trying to be my own rock, but as you point out, that is not as effective. Thanks for the timely advice. I really needed it today!
Here is the link to the post… http://christianfaithatwork.com/what-kind-of-man-…
Thanks for sharing this Chris. I'll check it out and hope my readers will as well.
Twitter: lschiz
says:
Thank you Ron for these words. Follow you on twitter. Amid all the general stuff and some really good things like Jeff Goins and Michael Hyatt I always find I appreciate your contributions.
The last few years iv been thru fairly tough times in our church. I’m FT facilities Dir. Been difficult at times. Been “moved” around i.e. shaken much.
Gods grace and strength, the steadfastness of Him as our Rock has proven to be my stronghold. And yes that stronghold is better and better as our experience and relationship grows.
Thank you again.
Scott
Thank you Scott. And you mention two good friends, Michael and Jeff. Thanks for commenting!
Ron thanks for the reminder. As a mom, business owner, church volunteer I often go full throttle without allowing God to lead me. My human arrogance just kicked in with the assumption that I could "allow " my Savior to do anything. Why do we try to snuff His glory?
Good word Ron. Encouraging for me today!
Amen!
Great post. I take great comfort in knowing that He is my Rock and my Foundation. Thanks.
Amen. Thank you!