Mountains are impressive. So are huge rocks. This rock near the water’s edge would have crushed me if it were not kept in place. Like my travel companions, I felt the need to explore something other than the inside of the vehicle! We were on a road trip with some siblings. The six of us had a packed agenda for our holiday time, and that meant a lot of driving. An unspoiled little cove in Rhode Island gave us the opportunity to stretch our legs. It was wonderful to feel the wind, to turn our faces to the sun, and to watch birds dip and soar above the water. Like carefree children, we explored the rocky cove and took turns posing beside or under this rock.
This morning, as I pondered three separate messages I received in the past few hours, sadness loomed as large as the rock that shadows me. One of our friends died yesterday. Another friend, widowed just a few months ago, is on her way to visit her son thousands of miles from where she and her husband lived. Although the young man’s marriage is floundering, he and his estranged wife welcome this visit. Another woman let us know her elderly father has just passed away. Each of the men who died had confidence they would be welcomed by the One who died to save their souls.
Even so, there is deep sorrow because loved ones are no longer present. I could easily let the weight of sadness roll over me, just like a rock could topple. As I recalled what I’d written about looming mountains, I was reminded of another person who often felt overwhelmed. David confessed, “Only in God do I find rest; my salvation comes from him. Only God is my rock and my salvation – my stronghold! I won’t be shaken anymore.” Psalm 62:1,2.
In the previous Psalm, David is begging for help. “God, listen to my cry; pay attention to my prayer! When my heart is weak, I cry out to you from the ends of the earth. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I am because you have been my refuge…” Psalm 61:1-3a
These solid statements from a man who had a lot of experience trusting God encourage me to keep on praying for my grieving friends.
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