This is what the Lord says, “Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you 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
The first time I saw the ocean, I was eighteen years old and it was Daytona Beach, Florida. I found the ocean breath taking. Growing up in the Shenandoah Mountains, the ocean was a whole new world. Until recent years, my beach days since then have mostly been spent in the warm, clear, turquoise blue waters of the Gulf Coast. My family loves visiting the calm waters of the Gulf. As the girls were growing up they would sit and play at the water’s edge for hours. We tried several East Coast beaches a few times but most attempts at a new beach ended prematurely. The main complaint was that the water was “too hard,” kid speech for strong waves. While some people go to the beach for the waves, our family was used to the serene, lapping Gulf waters.
We recently visited one of our new favorite beaches. The beaches of the southern North Carolina coast are very different than the Gulf but no less beautiful in their own distinct way. The coastline in some areas have rugged rock formations only visible when the tide is low. Standing at the ocean’s edge in the areas without the rocks, the water can be “too hard.” The waves can hit with enough force to knock one off balance. But when standing on the rocks, the water gently rolls towards the shore and softly caresses the toes. The force of the waves is broken by the rocks. It’s a tangible reminder of how Jesus is our Rock.
David praised God for being his stronghold, deliverance, protection, and promoter. “I love you, Lord, my strength. 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” (Psalms 18:1-2). When we trust in Him, we find strength, courage and hope in His strength and the shelter of His love. Just like the ocean’s rock ledge provides shelter from the force of the waves, our Lord, our Rock can shield us from the waves of life. When we rely on Him instead of our own strengths or other sources, the waves of fear, anxiety and sorrow that come will be absorbed by His strength and His love. Instead of hitting us full force and knocking us down, we can stand on our Rock during those times, face them knowing we will find refuge in Him and stand strong. Consider Psalms 18:31 today, “Who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.