As I drove home yesterday evening, I found myself singing, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock. The rock that’s higher than I. Those two lines of the song had me reflecting on God as my rock. I just love the imagery that is found in the Bible.
Tiny Pebbles
Plenty of rocks can be found in my drive way and I don’t give those little small stones much thought on a daily basis. The car is driven over them day after day. Bella and I walk on them. Sometimes they’re picked up and tossed about by little hands that come to visit. Heavy rains push them out of their position. Those rocks are easily moved and manipulated. They offer little or no resistance to the forces that come up against it. Is that the rock I see when reading scriptures that calls God my rock and my fortress? Is that your view of the rock? Of course, we’d be inclined to give a quick “no” in response to such question. But, the more I ponder it in my mind, I have this caution urging me not rush past but dwell here at this point for a while. Could it be that the rock I’m seeing is too small? When faced with the everyday challenges life bring, my initial reaction is one that sees the problem so large that I can’t even get a glimpse of the rock upon which I’m suppose to stand.
Does my response, my prayer, my thoughts, my attitude or my demeanor show that I see Him as one who offers little resistance to forces that oppose me-His child? He is not just concern with my words but what is my behavior speaking? Does it say I think trouble can drive Him away? Does my whining and fretting reveal that deep down I believe that the thing I’m up against is large enough to move, push or manipulate Him?
welcome to my world of poetry says
A wonderful post to read Wanda, Although I visit the beach daily I have never thought of pebbles and rocks in the way you do.
Yvonne.
MTJ says
Hi Wanda,
A compelling and thought-provoking post. I think there are times when my words and behavior have not been aligned. This I believe is the result of a kind of wishful thinking; hoping that God will respond in spite of my doubts and fears.
But I now see that God's desire for me is to experience a mature relationship with Him that's based on genuine biblical faith.
You raise valid questions regarding faith and trust in God:
1. Is that the rock I see when reading scriptures that calls God my rock and my fortress?
2. Is that your view of the rock?
3. Does my response, my prayer, my thoughts, my attitude or my demeanor show that I see Him as one who offers little resistance to forces that oppose me-His child?
4. He is not just concern with my words but what is my behavior speaking?
5. Does it say I think trouble can drive Him away?
6. Does my whining and fretting reveal that deep down I believe that the thing I'm up against is large enough to move, push or manipulate Him?
I believe these questions help bring into focus both How I see God and Who I see God is. In answering these two questions, I realize I must also answer the question:
What does it mean to be God?
You've given me much to consider, meditate and I believe a topic to write my personal thoughts about. With your permission, I'd like to use this post as a framework to address my answers.
Blessings and peace.
MTJ
lioneagle says
Hi Wanda –
Thank you for these wise words…
I agree with MTJ…so much to ponder…
The rock photo speaks – love it!
PatriciaW says
Ooh, Wanda, you're saying something here.
Some many rocks. Some big, some small. Yes, He is the rock. My rock. But what kind of rock — more porous or more solid? How big a rock — a pebble or a mountain?
Never considered this, but you've got me thinking. Good stuff.
BLUEBUTTERFLY says
He is our Rock. As I read this I remember being at my grandfather's house in the mountains. In that high up place, I always felt that nothing could touch me. Jesus, that Rock, who is higher…is where I want to be.
sarah says
nice post to read and think of the pebbles and stones in this way.
Just Be Real says
Thank you Wanda for sharing this powerful truth. Needed to read.
Carrie of Farming On Faith says
Hello~
I am so glad to meet you. Your blog is lovely. I am so glad you stopped by today.
I am going to peek around a bit.
Have a lovely evening~!
Pat says
Wanda this is a very powerful post!!! I am guilty of looking at my problems a lot of the time instead of looking to my Rock that cannot be moved.
Sharon Kirby says
Wanda – So very thought-provoking. I know that all too often, the rock I'm seeing IS too small. The problem seems bigger. In fact, it seems so big that I neglect to see that the SHADOW of my Rock, my Lord, is covering it.
"Does my whining and fretting reveal that deep down I believe that the thing I'm up against is large enough to move, push, or manipulate Him?"
This convicted me deeply. Yes, Lord, I need to see you bigger. Not a pebble, but a Mt. Everest…
Thanks, Wanda – GOD BLESS!
Ellie says
Interesting view; I agree sometimes we do think our problems are huge like large rocks and sometimes not.
It is an interesting way to look at how we can interpret things in our life and the scope, dimension and size. How our will, soul is affected~ Great post!
Wanda says
When I sat down to write the post, I had something else in mind but God took me along another path. I hope to do a second part to this post, when the time allows. MTJ, I look forward to gleaning from your thoughts as you reflect upon this topic.
LisaShaw says
Wanda,
This is powerful! Your questions in the last paragraph are so on point!
Thank you for being REAL!
Hugs and love!
Faith Imagined says
This is some wonderful self-reflection. Every time I worry I remind myself that I am thinking less of God than I should be. I don't need to worry. I have to continually remind myself that he is BIG ENOUGH!
Peggy says
Blessings Wanda, Came here from MTJ's post! and as always love the power in which you write & share from a heart that's REAL and seeking Him!
I too often sing this song when my heart is overwhelmed! Beautiful reflections throughout this since I hardly ever pause and think on how profound it is to call Him Our Rock!
Definitely not a pebble to me! He is a Mountain mover!!! When I lean on Him, I quickly realize that He is the immovable, impenetrable, strong, foundation that holds me when all else may be crumbling around me!
I knew I would love this… and I do! The questions stir me to put this belief into action in words & thoughts and all I do! Standing on the Rock! Holding on to our Rock!
Responding in His Strength! our Strong Tower! our Fortress! I often see Him surrounding me this way like the Alhambra in Spain, a castled walled city… He is our Defender! our Protector! no other force can compare or oppose Him, how often we cower when we should stand on all we believe He is and not allow anything to deter us or come against us! We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! Thanks!
In Christ's peace & love,
Peggy
Nicole says
What a great post Wanda! Thank you so much for sharing it.
I think I need to fix how I see things too and make sure that the Rock I am seeing is my fortress!
I love the last paragraph! So very true.
I have got to get back to seeing how big our Lord is and knowing He is in control and handles everything!
Wanda says
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Lisa, Alisa, Peggy, and Nicole. I think we all can use an adjustment to our perspective on the greatness of God. May each you continue to stand upon the Rock.
Dean Spencer says
Wanda –
I arrived at your post via MTJ at My Though-filled Journey. I like what you're saying here. It's true that we can have a very limited view of who our God is…as you say, Could it be that the rock I'm seeing is too small?"
I'm now a follower of yours. Looking forward to reading more. God bless!
Dean