PEACEFUL ROCK

I headed for a place I know,

not wanting any clock,

where my burdened ears can hear the flow,

resting well on Peaceful Rock.

By the brook, I’ll sit and close my eyes,

where the canopy is thick,

and contentment there I’ll realize,

as I hear the water skip.

I will sit for many hours there,

or at least what seems to be,

and I’ll hear the water sing His care,

of the love He has for me.

And my troubles will go down the way,

where the ravens tend to flock,

yet the perfect peace of God will stay,

trusting well on Peaceful Rock.

Come unto me, all ye that labour 

and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 

PEACEFUL ROCK

The world’s calamities circle round. Personal and family problems abound. Government issues soar in harsh sound. It is true what Jesus said— that there will always be trouble in the world. 

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; have overcome the world.

John 16:33

It is also true that Jesus has overcome the world. Be of good cheer. Wow! Even in tribulation, we are encouraged to smile. In Christ, there is peace. In Him, victory is gained. And the government shall be upon His shoulders.

I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

David sang the above words when God delivered him from the hand of Saul. We might not be running from an angry king with a buckler on our arm but difficulties chase us nonetheless. Calling on the LORD in prayer is the answer David chose. Praying is what David did and what we should do, too. 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

Do you know to whom, other than David, that God said He would be a shield? He’s found in Genesis 15 when God made a covenant with this man. 

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1

And, do you know to whom God said the following in Exodus 33?

And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by.

Exodus 33:21-22

It was Abraham who was told by God that He, God, would be his shield in Genesis 15. And Moses in Exodus 33 was told by God to stand on a rock nearby while He, God, passed by. Praying people of faith know God is the rock on which they can base their lives. God is that same shield for us today. He is that same presence in control when we feel all is lost. He is that same rock.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Matthew 21: 42-44

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the cornerstone. He is the foundation of a solid house. Without Him, a house will be destroyed by the foundation it was built on. It is our choice what kind of foundation we desire under our house. The wise man built his house upon the rock! 

Therefore thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16 

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:11-12

I hope you find Peaceful Rock down by the brook where the sound of flowing water washes away troubles. There is protection in the cleft of the Rock, hidden under the hand of God. Upon this tried stone, one can pray, trust, be at peace and practice patience.