I started thinking on how it feels when you look up at "half dome" in Yosemite or down on it from Glacier point, and are at a loss of words to declare what you are seeing or feeling. I believe there is a reason why we feel this way when looking at these colossal, unmovable, mammoths for they reflect a message that God wants to deliver personally to each one of us.
In the Bible you will see many places where rocks or rock formations are referenced to:
1. First off God created them
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1
To quote AW Tozer in his book "Knowledge of the Holy" in speaking of creation vs the creator and the need to define origin:
"Origin is a word that can apply only to things created. When we think of anything that has origin we are not thinking of God. God is self-existent, while all created things necessary originated somewhere at some time."
This shows the uncreated (God) is greater than all created things.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
John 1:1-3
Even as we look at the statement of "In the beginning" in John 1:1, which literally means a time in eternity past, a time with no beginning. This comparison puts all of God's creation, and especially man kind in check as we all have a beginning, a time born, or a beginning of existence. However, God did not, for He has always been, and is, and always will be. So before man was created, God was there. Before the billions or stars first twinkled, God was there. In the beginning God!
2. God is referred to being "a rock".
Even though we understand that God is not a literal rock, and that He is greater than all the rocks in the whole world based on His origin alone. However, we also see scriptures where God is called a rock. King David uses this metaphor many times in the Psalms. He describes God as his Rock, which shows relationship and dependance.
"He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved."
Psalms 62:6
"For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?"
Psalms 18:31
"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me."
Psalms 31:3
"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."
Psalms 61:2
"And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."
Psalms 62:6
"To shew that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him."
Psalms 62:6
"But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge."
Psalms 94:22
3. Memorials
In the Old Testament of the Bible we see many different types of Memorials, from strings upon the hand to stones erected. In general we see God was continually trying to get his people to remember Him in all situations.
"And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the Lord brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year."
Exodus 13:9-10
In the book of Joshua chapter 4, Joshua, newly anointed to lead God's people the Israelites into the promise land, they had just crossed the river Jordan and God told Joshua to erect a memorial of 12 stones (one stone representing each tribe). And to take these twelve stones from the midst of the river and bring them to the other side to be built up for all to remember what God did that day. His promise of bringing them into their own land and His promise to Abraham and to many after him was fulfilled. For God is true to HIS promises for they are YES and AMEN.
"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
2 Corinthians 1:20
The symbolism of them crossing through the waters, speaks to a measured space of time where they were tested and tried, but they made it to "other side" to dry land, safe and sound. But, God wanted His people to remember this, though for a space of time things seemed uncertain, they would make it to the other side and it was God who brought them through. He is our rock, our fortress, and all our steps, if made in faith to what He had spoken would be guided and guarded. But why did this need to be remembered? Why does God want us to remember how he brings us through the waters? Because, as mortal man we forget God's deliverance, we forget his high and mighty hand that delivers us over and over.
4. God's message for you
You may feel your situation is hopeless, and there is no way out. You may think the only way out is to end it all. But God is waiting for you to cry out to Him, to see Him as your rock, your foundation that won't be shaken or destroyed. Like the house that Jesus spoke of in Luke 6, if we dig deep into God's word and do what He has asked us, we will be like those who build their House on a good foundation.
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock:and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it:for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great."
Luke 6:46-49
The winds and the waters may crash upon your life, but it will not be ruined. Your life, if built upon the foundation of God's love and His Word, through humble obedience, will be unmovable and unshakable, strong and safe in Him. A good foundation in uncertain times. So today remember this when you are feeling overwhelmed, burdened, and loosing grip on what is going around you. Say it out Loud "God is my rock" right now in this problem. God is my strength right now in this issue that is pressing me. Lean upon HIS strength today. Rely on the steadfastness of the Lord. Praise the Lord. God is our refuge!
