Psalm 71:1-4
“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” vs. 3
According to tradition Rev. Augustus Toplady was riding along a gorge in the Mendip Hills in England in 1763 when he took shelter from a sudden storm in a fissure in the rock. Inspired by the moment he later penned the words to a hymn called “Rock of Ages” that has touched the hearts of believers ever since. For some it’s a favorite…they love the simple lyric, “Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.” The psalmist would have agreed. For him God was the rock of refuge, a source of security and shelter in times of danger, a fortress that could protect him from all enemies. Of course Toplady was thinking of Jesus as the Rock, and went on in his hymn to describe the water and the blood which flowed from his side as a double cure for sin and guilt. This kind of imagery strikes a responsive chord in all who struggle for peace and serenity in moments of sadness, trial, and sorrow, moments that are bound to come as long as we’re living in this world. These are the times when calamities abound and it feels as though alien forces are attacking. These are the times when we run breathless to Jesus and ask him to protect us from danger and harm. “Save us, Jesus,” we say. “Be our rock of refuge. We have no other place to go!” And he opens his arms and hugs us close!
Thought for the Day: When do I need a rock of refuge?
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