My God, My Rock!

My God, My Rock!
By Don Vess

Psalm 61:1-2 NASB
“Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

This passage of Scripture has been a source of strength for me when I have found my soul in distress. I know that when I call upon the Lord, He will hear me and answer me, lifting my soul to the rock that is so much higher than I. The Lord my God is my strength, He is my song, and He is my deliverer.

The past two weeks have felt like a Stephen King horror movie. Flooding from Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina has cost the lives of so many people I have known, and for those who are so close to me and my family, it has been incredibly hard. But seeing so many others who have found themselves in similar situations, many having lost everything, is even more heartbreaking. Losing a sibling and her wonderful husband has been especially difficult, and witnessing their children’s grief is equally hard. BUT GOD! He is my source of strength. As Psalm 3:3 NASB says:
“But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”

We have to remember who our God is! He is the Great Jehovah, the Almighty One who is able to save. And as Romans 10:11 NASB says:
“Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”

I am so glad that I know, that I know, that I know my beautiful sister Evelyn and Daniel, my amazing brother-in-law—though I always thought of him as my brother—had a rock-solid relationship with Jesus. This was evident in the way they lived their lives and witnessed for Him. So, I find great comfort in that.

Thank you for allowing me to share about them, as it helps me deal with their passing.

They are constantly on my mind, and try as I might, I cannot direct my thoughts elsewhere because their loss is so fresh. But I don’t mind talking about them because I know that they were prepared for eternity. They believed in Him, and I know they were not disappointed!

My sister was always very proud and pleased with the beautiful home Dan had built for them. It was so pretty and well-kept. My nieces said she would often say, “Don’t I have a pretty place here?” And she did! But her beautiful place here doesn’t compare with the home she received when she departed this life.

I don’t mean to dwell so much on what has happened with my loved ones, but it is what is on my heart. So, thank you for allowing me to share it.

My main point is that, in the midst of tragedy, there is often triumph. It all depends on the direction we turn.

I have spoken with folks who have lost everything they had on this earth, yet they still cling to the ROCK that is higher, knowing that He has never left them nor forsaken them, and they still have their hope! Instead of blaming God for what has happened, they are praising Him for bringing them through it. I have witnessed the church coming together and working to provide food, clothing, shelter, and what the victims need to survive. I have seen the church being the church!

I feel I need to remind you of what Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.”

When we are weak, His strength comes through! His grace is always more than enough for us!

Psalm 18:1-2 NLT
“I love You, Lord; You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

Proverbs 18:10 NLT
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.”

I have preached many funerals using the 46th Psalm as a key text, but never have the words rung truer than during this time. My heart is breaking! I know the hearts of many others are breaking as they grieve the loss of their loved ones. But God is still an ever-present help in times of trouble!

Psalm 46:1-10 NLT
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how He brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; He burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’ Signed, Yahweh.”

The NASB translates verse 10 as:
“Cease striving and know that I am God.”

Psalm 31:1-3 NASB
“In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be ashamed. In Your righteousness deliver me. Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; Be a rock of strength to me, a stronghold to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress…”

I am thankful for all the words of encouragement and comfort that have been given to me and my family over the past couple of weeks. They mean so much. But what has sustained me most has been the name of my Lord Jesus. I have called upon Him, and He has heard me. His Holy Spirit has comforted me. His word has sustained me. His name has been a rock I can stand on.

I pray that you know my Jesus! If you don’t, I pray that you will accept Him today! He is the only constant in this world that we can depend upon. Everything else can change in a moment, but His word endures forever!