No Other Rock

Psalm 37:1 starts with “Do not fret…”

Isaiah 44:8 says, “Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

The image here is symbolic. It calls into mind great strength, support, and large presence. It calls into mind stability, impregnability, and might. Some years ago, I was standing in a hallway near my office when an earthquake actually happened (really shocking for the Hampton Roads area) and walls and floors actually moved. There was nothing substantial to hold onto. It passed, thankfully, and no one was hurt and no damage was observed. Maybe a crack or two in the sidewalks and parking lot. But, experiencing an earthquake will surely make you think. Where do we find safety?

Then there was that time when I tripped on a local side street and broke my arm. Wobbly shoes, uneven pavement, rushing, progressive lenses. A bad combination. I saw stars. I still feel that injury on rainy days. I learned to appreciate solid footing, supportive shoes, physical therapy and cautious steps. That injury surely made me think. Where do we find safety?

Then there is life in general. Pretty unsafe, I’d agree. Many are over-distracted with home security, car security, school security, retirement security, health security… You name it. Where do we find safety? Jesus Christ is the Rock of our faith, but we often like to back up our fragile faith with dependence on other security measures. We build our protective fences, thinking we have a measure of control. We get paralyzed by worry and may forget the strong foundation that Jesus provides. Walking by sight instead of faith leads us to make fear-based decisions. This leads us away from God’s truth.

Yet our Savior is always present to provide firm eternal footing. The only basis for security is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jeremiah 10:12 says that God founded the world by His exquisite power and wisdom and understanding. Then, He sent His Son to be the surpassing, rock strong foundation of our faith. Because of Him, we are spiritually safe.

Let me backpedal. Practical plans to ensure the physical and financial protection of our families have an appropriate place in earthly life. But, God says that we have no need to tremble and no need to be afraid. If we are the Lord’s witnesses and if heaven is our eternal home, then we give our tears, cares and fears to him. He is our Rock.

Here’s where we land in faith. From the familiar hymn by Edward Mote, we pledge, “On Christ the solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.” I am a witness. It’s true. There is no other Rock.