sb10065103k-001
From where I stand this morning, I see more to do than can be done; more questions than answers; more problems than progress. The news cycle is filled with corruption and heartbreak and horror and all sorts of fuel for dreadful “what if” scenarios.

David must have felt like this when he said: Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 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. (Ps 61:1-2)

Being on a high rock gives protection. Many historic battles have been won because the victor had the advantage of the high ground. Sometimes God’s protection is nothing more than a respite from the demands and threats of our circumstances so that we can find new strength to return to the battles below. Sometimes God uses our time on the high rock to grow our faith as we watch him fight those battles for us.

But being on a high rock also gives perspective. When I focus on the immediacy of what is right in front of me, I’m unable to see the big picture. When my focus is on God, prayer lifts me above my circumstances and allows me a glimpse of more than just the immediate. I may get new perspective on how to handle the battles below, or I may see that God is already fighting for me. I may see the weakness of my enemy or I may see that the battle is just part of a bigger plan.

God hears the cries of his children. When we grow fearful and faint and call on him, he will lift us above our circumstances and battles. Sometimes that is to deliver us from them; sometimes that is to empower us to have victory in them. Either way, our prayers for the “high rock” take us into his presence.

Ask God for your own “high rock”. May you find the security and peace of his protection and perspective. May your intentional time in his presence equip you with strength and faith for all that this day will require of you.