I have stones all about the house—stones that remind me of other places and times. Some are pretty and glinting with fool’s gold or the sparkle of quartz. Others have names and dates penciled on their bases. But must are smooth and plain and their origins have been long forgotten. But I do like to have a cool smooth stone within reach.
I like it that God is likened to a rock, an everlasting rock. He is not affected by winds of change. He’s steady and trustworthy, always true to His character, always loving, always just, and always there.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. Is.26:4
Lately I have been rather flaky, not very rock-like. I have needed steadying words. We are in a waiting time. Waiting this week for eye muscles to heal and for the surgeon’s ok to return to our life of waiting for other next things. Waiting for the house to sell. Waiting to figure out where, when and how we will live. Waiting to see what God’s purposes for our middle years are…Steady routines have given place to open-ended unknowns. My heart is prone to quivering these day; anxieties rise unbidden.
“Be anxious for nothing” seems an impossibility, especially in the night. So I have been collecting stones, solid words that remind me there are certainties underlying all the shifting sands of present circumstances.
Can I share some of this week’s collection with you? They come from New and Old Testaments and from contexts far different than those I face. Not all are promises directed to me, still they reflect the strong and steady character of our unchanging God. They bear witness to those who have found Him true to His Word. They are strong and steady rock-like words that steady my quivering heart.
If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all. Is.7:9
“Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, an do not let your hear be faint because of___________because [he] has devised evil against you…” Is.7:4,5
I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Ps.23:4
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Rom.8:37
The Lord spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people…”Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.’' Is.8:12,13
You are my witnesses, declares the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he…Before me no god was formed, nor shall here be any after me. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior. Is.43:10,11
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps.27:1
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” Ps.27:13,14
Behold, this is our God’ we have waited for him, that he might save us. Is.25:9
“…we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us…a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul…”Heb.6:8,9
“so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.’ Heb.6:12
O LORD, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works. Is.26:12
He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Heb.7:25
It comes to mind that stones are a sort of arsenal too. David collected a handful of smooth ones and used them with undaunted faith in God to fell Goliath. It’s good to have a stone in hand. And it’s good to have a Rock to run to!
--LS
The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped. The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever. Ps.28:8,9
2 comments:
Several thoughts:
1. I love the photos.
2. Just this morning my husband and I read (we're going through the Bible out loud and together this year which has been quite a challenge) about the stones of remembrance set along the banks of the Jordan. Your post is a lovely coincidence.
3. I'm reading a new book from DC Cook about middle age, and it addresses that whole business you mentioned about "waiting for the assignment." The Best is Yet to Be by Bruce Peppin. Still reading it, but so far it has a lot of wisdom for those of us in our middle/muddled years.
The photos are a product of having left my own camera behind in our grandparenting travels resulting in learning to use my husband's camera. I like it!
I love the coincidence. I have collected many good stones of remembrance, records of all the places God has led us...even if I can't remember their specific origins! (This doesn't improve with age)
I have done no reading about this stage. Will make note of the book you mention. It is good to learn from those who have gone before. Thanks very much! You appear to be quite the avid reader. I look forward to reading a book review of this one.
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