Daily Devotion for December 7, 2005

A Sturdy Rock

 

This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30.

 

This year many of us had firsthand experience with evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. We saw the horrors of the pain and destruction left in the wake of the storm; we saw the heroes who participated in the rescue and relief efforts. We saw the difference that an open heart and a loving response can make to those who have known such loss and devastation. We opened our doors, and we went out among the families and individuals affected by the storm as we all looked to God for refuge, for solace, and for strength.

 

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. Psalm 18:36.

 

This verse reminds me of a time I was in Israel and was walking a narrow path on the Wadi Quilt.  I had come to a point in the path where there was no longer a path!  I had to put one foot on a rock several feet higher than the ground I was on in order to get to the other side of the path.  It was a scary moment!

 

The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation. Psalm 18:46.

 

It doesn’t take a catastrophic event to make us feel that we have lost our way, that our footing is unsure, that we can’t go on. There are those among us who face serious illness, or a troubled relationship, or a job loss, or financial struggles, or the deteriorating health of a loved one. Whatever the storm might be, the love of God as expressed through his people can restore hope and faith and the capacity for love.

 

As we use the season of Advent to prepare our hearts for his birth, let us also remember and celebrate that the Lord lives! He is our rock, and the God of our salvation.

 

Prayer
Jesus, you are my rock that I can rely on when my path is narrow.  Help me trust in you for what you are!  Amen

 

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