One of my favorite gifts as a child was a rock tumbler. You know, those little machines that turn a barrel round and round non-stop for days at a time? Inside the barrel would be your rocks, water, and grit. The grit is what would make the rocks smooth and would act as sand to smooth and polish the rocks.
I use to love picking up rocks from weekend outings to the local parks, beaches and mountains. I’d collect just enough to fill the tumbler and start the process over again every week.
I loved my rocks – some were bright, some dark, some seemed glittery. I loved the variety and enjoyed displaying them in my room.
As I grew up though, other things became more important than my rocks and rock tumbler. In high school, there was field hockey, student council and newspaper editor. I lost interest in my rock collection as I grew up and changed . . . my rocks lost their importance in my life.
Throughout scripture, rocks are commonly used to describe Jesus Christ. We see this symbolism in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament when referring to either Jesus Christ or God in general. I read somewhere that the word “rock” is used 142 times in the Bible.
In a recent Daily Light for Daily Living devotional, Anne Graham Lotz shares about her rock and fortress, God:
Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. . . . The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. So we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms with strength and makes my way perfect.
Throughout our lives, we will endure much change . . . sometimes tragedy hits and everything changes.
Other times, we choose to make mundane changes – like losing interest in a rock collection. But as Anne shares in her devotionals, books and radio programs, there is a rock which never changes – one on which we can build our homes and lives upon. That rock is the stable rock that is God’s love, wisdom and salvation.
(Thank you for your prayers for Anne as she continues in treatment for her cancer. You can read updates on her journey on her Facebook page.)
