“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” (Isaiah 44:8)
As a child, I loved spending time at a creek. Peaceful rest awaited me on a huge boulder. My throne of private solitude planted firmly in the middle of the brook. A personal oasis. Smaller stones beckoned me to cross. They presented a facade of security – not to be trusted.
I knew better.
Oh, deceptive rocks! So wobbly. So undependable. You once pretended to be sturdy, then plunged me into cold water. Not this time. . .”
An uneasy feeling engulfed me as I gingerly tested each stone.
Arriving on the massive seat, I could breathe again.
Water swirled below me. But my solid immovable friend upheld me.
Calmness restored. I felt completely relaxed. I closed my eyes to soak in God’s chorus. Soothing sounds of rippling water. A bird’s serenade.
Cares of my world evaporated.
But each retreat ended.
Happily, I’ve found a Rock that is with me all the time. I can withstand my unrelenting disease.
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
Multiple sclerosis can create feelings of helplessness. My future may seem uncertain. But I can face whatever my disease brings. God is my peace.
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:2)
Despair swirling about me, I call out to Him.
“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)
I trust my immovable, unchanging Lord.
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:4)
The world presents a façade of security – not to be trusted.
Christ is my sure foundation.
“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:25)
Prayer: Dear Father, Because You are my Rock and my salvation, I need not be shaken. When my life seems to crumble, You are my refuge. You deliver me from despair. Thank You for helping me withstand my disease. Amen.
About the author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
What earthly things have you put your trust into, only to find that they have failed you?
Very beautiful and faith-affirming Vicki, thank you!
Thank you Vicki, what a wonderful analogy.
I also have special memories of rocks, creeks and rivers, so loved reading this devotion
Vicki – I also had a creek that was a special spot during childhood days when I visited my grandmother in Colorado. I returned there as an adult – with my physical challenges intact which had not been present in earlier days. I remember “liking” fallling in that creek when a child – was more cautious as an adult.
Although your devotional evoked these good memories, it also impacted my soul with encouragement – reminders of the Living Water that nourishes us when life’s swirls would tend to drag us down. And I agree with deni – the Scripture verses are really helpful, too.
Thanks so much!
Love,
Lynn
Oh Jennifer,
What a beautiful phrase: “faith-affirming”…love that!
Anne and Lynn,
I’m sure there are even more of us….rock sitters & creek lovers. God must be pleased with all those quiet moments of fellowship with Him.
Lynn, great connection to the rippling water of a small creek: Living Waters…can’t believe I missed that all these years!
Your analogy to His Living Waters coupled with my memories of the sound of that water soothes my spirit.