There are times when life is just hard. Troubles come one right after another, or one right on top of another, or they come and they just refuse to leave. Even if one's own life is relatively calm, all he has to do is look around at family, friends, church, and acquaintances, and he will see trouble and trial abounding. Loved ones die, tragedy strikes, overwhelming health situations arise, ministries are cut short, livelihoods are threatened. Impossible finances, difficult jobs, job loss, sickness, surgeries, medical testing, disappointment, abandonment, alienation from family, struggling marriages, crises with children, home responsibilities, ministry responsibilities, betrayals. The list could go on.
When someone is weighed down in his own troubles, life can be difficult to bear. Hope can be hard to find. When the troubles of others are added onto that already frail situation, life becomes even more overwhelming. It is too much to absorb all the added information. Someone who is already staggering gets another phone call or email or Facebook post or church prayer request about yet another staggering situation. It seems like everyone is drowning, and it just won't quit.
Whether from his own troubles alone, from bearing the burdens of others, or from a combination of the two, one can find his faith shaken. The Bible indeed refers to the testing of our faith (James 1:3 and I Peter 1:7). When those tests are too severe, someone can start to question whether it is worth it to follow God or whether he even wants to follow a God who would allow such things to happen. The whole Christianity thing may seem like it doesn't work. He may feel that he absolutely cannot go on and doesn't even want to.
These struggling people may not want to be struggling. They might wish they could find hope and help. In truth, the Bible has a lot of help for hurting people. The Bible is filled with answers about the trials of life and about what God is doing through them. But sometimes those answers are beyond the grasp of someone who is struggling. He can barely manage to put one foot in front of the other. He is spiritually crushed to the point of needing life support; he can't handle meat right now.
So this study is simple. It is one word. One concept. It is an anchor, or a knot at the end of the rope. It is enough to keep someone from sliding off the edge until life starts to be a little more manageable. It can breathe a little bit of life and hope, sustaining someone until he can start to eat again and start to walk again. Those other great Bible truths are out there waiting - about God working all things for good, about not giving more than we can bear, about His grace being sufficient, about patience having its perfect work, about all things being for the glory of God, and so on. Someday, hopefully before too long, the super-struggling soul will be ready to start embracing those truths also and finding comfort in them. For now, though, just this anchor - that God is our Rock.
What does the Bible say about God as a ROCK? (All quotations are NASB.)
A. The first is in Jacob's blessing given to his sons just before his death, specifically in the blessing to the beloved son Joseph. "But his bow remained firm, and his arms were agile, from the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel)" (Genesis 49:24). When his enemies harassed him - and, yes, that happened - Joseph had a special strength. His strength to withstand attack came from the Stone of Israel. This Stone helped Joseph in battle, but that was not the end. V. 25 tells that this same Stone helps Joseph and blesses him "with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath." The Stone strengthens those He loves and surrounds them with blessings.
B. This is Moses' song written at the very end of his life, and directed by God with a purpose. Moses refers to God various times in the song as the Rock; it is a central thought in the song. As a song the Israelites were to learn, it was to be a convicting reminder to them when they would rebel against God and subsequently face judgment. The reminders about their Rock were to draw them back to God who always wanted to be restored to them. This makes the Rock a powerful truth and one that is effective in binding hearts to God.
"The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He. ... But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked - you are grown fat, thick, and sleek - then he forsook God who made him, and scorned the Rock of his salvation. ... You neglected the Rock who begot you, and forgot the God who gave you birth. ... How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had given them up? ... Indeed their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies judge themselves this." (Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 18, 30, 31).
Specific thoughts. V. 4 states six different ways that the Rock is right in everything that He is and in all that He does. This Rock does not make mistakes. V. 15 reveals the illogic of leaving the Rock; He is the one who saves - the only one who can save. Why would you leave Him? Why reject the source of salvation? V. 18 says that the Rock is our very source. It is right to return and draw close to the One who gave us existence. V. 30 is states as a negative. Because their Rock had given them up, they were in great danger and were failing. The negative truth is meant to highlight an important positive truth: there is no way the danger and failing could ever have happened if their Rock had not given them up. If they had remained faithful and under His care, the exact opposite would have happened. Instead of being on the receiving end of the humiliating defeat, they would have been on the giving end. The Rock, had they stuck with Him, would have given unbelievable salvation. V. 31 reveals that even the enemies recognize the superiority of God the Rock. Their rocks are no comparison to the Rock, and they know it. Oh, that we who have Him would possess that same confidence and would remember that precious truth! We too often feel like He's letting us down, but the outsiders long for the dependable and powerful Rock of salvation who is ours.
C. This is Hannah's prayer of worship and adoration after God granted her the request of a son. "There is no one holy like the LORD, indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2). Her similar-sounding phrases have a central theme, that there is no one else like God. No one else is like He is. No one else can do what He can do. No one else is as strong and unshakeable as He is. God had done for Hannah what her husband could not do, in spite of his love for her. God had granted a deep heart request that had deeply burdened Hannah for years. She was right; there is no other rock like God. In the midst of difficult times, people often say of a parent or spouse or friend, "He was my rock through this ordeal." A person may have been helpful, but no person can be the kind or rock that God can be.
D. This was David's song after God finally delivered him from all his enemies, including the relentless pursuit by Saul. (The song is duplicated in Psalm 18, with corresponding verses 2, 31, 46). This wasn't just a routine song or a small celebration for David. This was an answer he had waited on for years. He had spent many years in great duress, fleeing and hiding and fighting, living as an exile and enemy of the state. It was finally over, and he repeatedly refers to God as his rock.
"He said, 'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; ... my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my savior, You save me from violence. ... For who is God, besides the LORD? And who is a rock, besides our God? ... The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be God, the rock of my salvation.'" (II Samuel 22:2, 3, 32, 47).
Specific thoughts. Vs. 2-3 overflow with descriptions of God as a deliverer, as one who fought for him and protected him - eleven different descriptions and statements to start out his song. This is clearly the most outstanding thing to David about his Rock - that He delivers. He specifically states that he took refuge in this Rock. This is where David hid. It is where he sought protection. It is where he was safe. V. 32 is much like the statements by both Moses and Hannah. There is no one else like God. David had many soldiers. He had mighty men, including some very elite protectors and friends. Not even the best one of those was equal to God. They were nice and helpful, and he was thankful for them, but none of them was a Rock. Only God could be that. In v. 47, he again mentions the salvation aspect, and he rightfully gives praise and adoration to his Rock.
E. Just like Jacob's last words and Moses' almost last words, David's last words were about his Rock. There is something very special about this attribution, when men like these, who lived through all the things they lived through, come to their last words, and they want to talk about God as their Rock. Clearly, they had needed his strength and stability throughout their challenging lives, and their final words bear testimony to the fact that He was faithfully there for them. "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God." (II Samuel 23:3). This time David is not focusing on deliverance, but on inspiration. It was the Rock of Israel who spoke to David. The words of assurance and encouragement and promise came from the Rock. The inspired words of Scripture penned by David came from the Rock. With such stability and strength, could there be any doubting of the words that came from such a Source?
F. In this psalm David focuses on the revelation of God through nature and through the Word. It is specifically his thoughts regarding the Word that prompt the conclusion to this psalm. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14). The Word has a protecting quality and a purifying quality regarding sin, and David wants the Word to have its full impact on him by keeping him pure, particularly in his words and meditations. As he expresses this passionate desire of his heart, he addresses it to his Rock, to the One who has always been there and faithful to him. David wants to approach that same level of faithfulness in keeping himself acceptable to God.
G. In this psalm David is in trouble. He needs help, and he makes a completely illogical request that reveals something wonderful about our Rock. "To You, O LORD, I call; my rock, do not be deaf to me, for if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit." (Psalm 28:1). He calls God his Rock, but asks his Rock to hear him and to talk back to him. Rocks are inanimate. They can't hear, they can't speak, and they can't respond. Unless that Rock is God. Then someone who has all the wonderful qualities of an inanimate rock takes also the wonderful qualities of a devoted Father and Helper. This Rock listens to our desperate cries. This Rock does not ignore those cries, but responds in love and mercy. This Rock intervenes on their behalf, and He delivers. And He did it in this psalm for David, who tells of the help in vs. 6-8, and says, "Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications." Yes, the Rock listens and responds.
H. David again takes refuge in God. "Incline Your ear to me, rescue me quickly; be to me a rock of strength, a stronghold to save me. ... For You are my rock and my fortress; for Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me." (Psalm 31:2, 3). Again the focus is that the Rock saves, presented through several aspects in v. 2. The Rock listens. The Rock rescues. The Rock responds quickly. The Rock gives strength. The Rock protects and saves. The Rock is impregnable. While V. 2 is filled with petitions asking the Rock for those outcomes, v. 3 contains confident statements. David knows that his Rock will strengthen and protect and lead and guide. The Rock will do those things because of who the Rock is. It is His nature, and He does it to be true to His own name.
I. The next reference is found in a very dark psalm. Psalms 42-43 are filled with despair and hopelessness, mourning and struggle, longing and tears. In that broken and hurting state, the psalmist remembers that God is his Rock. "I will say to God my rock, 'Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the enemy?'" (Psalm 42:9). These are not confident words like those in the previous example. They are not even words of petition. These are the raw, desperate words of a man who feels broken and neglected. He does not see God. It doesn't even seem like God sees him. What could be a blacker or more pathetic situation? What could be emptier or more helpless? But even though this man is in the depths, perhaps in the darkest days of his life, he still remembers that God is his rock. In the darkest times, when all else is falling apart and when nothing else gives any strength, it is important not to forget this precious truth. This anchor - that God is a Rock. The acknowledgement is undoubtedly based on past experience. God has always been his Rock in the past. The psalmist needs God his Rock to be there for him now. He desperately needs the Rock, and it is critical in the hardest times when all hope seems to fail to remember that there is Someone we need, and we need Him because He is a Rock. He is able to help us even when help seems impossible. In the darkness, don't forget the Rock. He is still there, and as these dark psalms also remember repeatedly, there is reason to hope in Him.
J. David again, in more difficult days. His heart is faint and overwhelmed. He is at the end of the earth, which I interpret to mean in a desolate place and probably alone. Rather than focusing for any length of time on the condition in which he finds himself, David talks instead about where he wants to be. Well, doesn't just talk about it, but prays for it. "From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2). He knows that he can't manage where he is, but he knows where he can manage. He needs to be in his Rock. He needs to be led to it, because he isn't there yet, and maybe he is having some difficulty getting there. Sometimes the soul struggles to get to where it knows it needs to be. This isn't just any rock that David seeks; it is the Rock that is higher than he is. God is infinitely that. David's expression highlights the contrast. He is small and weak and frail, completely inadequate to the task and likely to be overrun or crushed. God is immense and strong and powerful, infinitely adequate for anything and in no danger of being overshadowed or defeated. Quite the opposite. He overshadows any other source of help, and He defeats everything that comes against Him.
K. More David, in more trouble. He faces concerted conspiracies by base and lying men who want to topple him. Yes, he uses those words to describe his condition. His enemies want to push him over like a leaning wall or a tottering fence (v. 3). Well, if he's about to be pushed over into a state of collapse, what does he need? He needs his Rock. He needs stability. He finds both of those in God. "He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. ... He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. ...On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God." (Psalm 62:2, 6, 7). Hallelujah! It is God who will keep him from being pushed over. In fact, God can keep him from even being shaken! This is a good Rock. A good place in which to rest. A good place to take refuge. This Rock makes the difference between shaky, leaning, tottering, vulnerable and steadfast, unmovable, firm, resilient. And it is only God that can do that. Other people might be a sandbag or a bracing board, but they are no match for the troubles that come. Only God can adequately meet the challenges.
L. This is a comforting psalm written by an old man with a lifetime of experience and dependence on God. What has this man experienced over his lifetime? He has learned that his Rock never fails. So now in his old age when the trials still have not stopped, he has the confidence to come to God again. He still needs help, but he knows where to find it. "Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress." (Psalm 71:3). Yes, confidence, that this Rock that has always been his refuge is still open to him, still effective for him. It matters not how many times he has availed himself of this source of help, it is still the best and trusted option. God doesn't get tired of him. God doesn't reject him, thinking he should have learned to manage on his own by now. No, the Rock is always available, continually available, forever available, regardless of experience or maturity or lack thereof.
M. Asaph is a man who reveals deep struggles of his soul, and this is one of them. In this situation Asaph almost fell. He came so close to giving up, believing that following God had been completely in vain. He was very weak, and as he concludes his psalm, having gained victory, he tells of his frailty and susceptibility. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26). The verse doesn't translate the word "rock," but the same Hebrew word is there, translated "strength." Literally, God is the rock of his heart. After having seen his propensity to failure and stating here his potential to fail due to his weak heart, he tells that God is the one who makes the difference. When Asaph ends up with victory and strength, it is because God is the Rock of his heart, such a difference from what Asaph had on his own. The heart is so vulnerable, so easily damaged and discouraged, but when God is in there, being the strength, then one can go on. His heart can revive, and he can overcome the temptation.
N. Asaph wrote this psalm of history about Israel, and it is a good companion piece to the second entry (B. Deuteronomy 32). Moses had warned what would happen in terms of Israel forgetting God, and this psalm is a sad history that reveals the frequency and consistency of such forgetting. This particular verse seems to be one of the few positive points in the psalm, but sadly, it isn't what it seems. "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer." (Psalm 78:35). After a time of judgment ("when He killed them" v 34), Israel returned to God. They remembered their Rock. But when we read the next two verses, we realize that their return was insincere. They were not steadfast or faithful to God, but were deceitful and lying in their "revival." They appeared to come back to their Rock, but sadly it was only when they faced the harsh consequences of their rebellion, and it was only enough (they hoped) to avoid more harsh consequences. The revival was not sincere. It could have been. God really was their Rock, and He wanted to be. But they didn't come back far enough. Sadly, many people today find themselves in the same situation. Only when life gets really, really bad do they turn to God, but even then, only haphazardly. Maybe back in church for a few weeks or a month, maybe a brief time of intense prayer, just enough for the pressure to lift, and then back to their old self-sufficient and self-dependent ways. For God the Rock to be an effective help, He must be fully and whole-heartedly embraced. He isn't just a crutch for the hard times or a magic potion to get out of trouble. He is the Rock best when He is the Rock always.
O. This psalm focuses on God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, in particular in His covenant with David. God speaks of setting David up as king and establishing his kingdom. When God does that, He says about David, "He will cry to Me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.'" (Psalm 89:26). Is this not so fitting? How many times have we seen David do exactly this? Over and over again, David looked to God as his Rock and depended on him for salvation. The Rock seems to be a particularly special name of God for David, and here God acknowledges that by recording David's typical nomenclature for God, "the rock of my salvation." David knew it was the Rock who had brought him to this place in his life - being king, enemies defeated, kingdom established. He never could have done it on his own, and he never could even have held on and waited for it to happen. He needed the Rock to do it for him, and he needed the Rock to hold him until He did it. The loving and faithful Rock did all that was needed for David to put him exactly where He wanted in His timing, and He will do the same for all others who take refuge in the same Rock.
P. This psalm is simply praise to God for His great works and for His gracious treatment of His people. This verse is actually the testimony of older saints, who remain fruitful and vibrant even in their old age, and this is what they say about God. "To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." (Psalm 92:15). As these people look back over a lifetime, the most prominent thing they recall about their Rock is that He is right. He doesn't do any wrong, doesn't make bad choices, doesn't treat His people wrong. I would say this is an appropriate assessment of an older saint, and one that is often challenging for younger Christians as they battle along their journey of life. There are situations that when someone is in the midst of them, it is very hard to see that God is being upright and that He is doing the right thing for His children. It just doesn't seem that way. Things seem wrong, harsh, cruel, unfair, heartless, and so on. In the midst of the trial. Time and experience give perspective, however. Older saints can look back and realize now what they probably did not see clearly then - that God is upright in all He does. The benefits of the trials are not often seen in the moment. It is only time that reveals the fruit. This is why seasoned saints can stand at the end of their lives, having gone through everything they have gone through, and can say that God was with them all the way, that they wouldn't change anything, that God has been good to them, that it is worth it to follow God. Older saints can make such statements with a level of peace and conviction that is often lacking to those who are still in the midst of their journey. But this gives hope to those who are in the dark valleys, that someday they too will be able to look back and say the same things. They too will be able to confidently acknowledge their righteous Rock.
Q. This psalm describes the vile wickedness of the godless and their horrific attacks on righteous and godly people. It also tells that God sees all that happens. He will hold the wicked accountable, and He will deliver His people. The speaker is one of those righteous who is experiencing the attack of the wicked and who is also experiencing the deliverance of God. He says, "But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge." (Psalm 94:22). There are hard times in life, and this psalmist has seen plenty of them, but he has also consistently seen that God his Rock has been his place of protection. He has never been alone to face all that has happened.
R. This is a psalm of praise to the Creator and Sustainer of the earth. The later part of the psalm reveals that not all people have consistently acknowledged God in His proper role, but God does give opportunity. This first verse ties those two ideas together - the greatest praise is due because of the greatest opportunity. "O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation." (Psalm 95:1). This great Creator-God is the Rock of salvation for all who will trust Him. Such a great Rock is worthy of great praise.
S. The final reference in Psalms is another one by David. "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle." (Psalm 144:1). At first reading, this can sound militant, violent, and vindictive. The reality is that David was a man of war. In his youth he was involved in an epic battle with Goliath, and his military career persisted for many years, as a servant of Saul, as a fugitive from Saul, and as the successor to Saul. His son Solomon lived in a time of peace, but David's divine lot in life was that of war. Since that is true, it is a blessing that his Rock equipped him and strengthened him for the battles he had to fight. David had to be strong, and it was God his Rock that made him strong. It was God his Rock that gave him victories. Not every person will have the same situation in life or the same types of challenges, but whatever the nature of the challenges and responsibilities, it is the Rock that equips and strengthens for each task. We don't have to go alone, nor do we have to face things for which we are completely inadequate or ill-equipped. God prepares us and trains us.
T. After David, Isaiah is the person who uses the term Rock most often. In this verse he uses it in a different way than the previous examples; it comes across as a negative. "Then He shall become a sanctuary; but to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over, and a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem." (Isaiah 8:14 - quoted in I Peter 2:8). The Messiah would be a person of tremendous impact. The type of impact depends on what people do with Him. If they believe and accept Him, He is a sanctuary, a holy and sacred place. If they reject Him, however, He will be a Rock they will stumble over, and their end will not be good. Even though this context is different, it still shows that the Rock makes a critical difference in people's lives, and their lives are bound for disaster only if they reject Him. Those who cling to Him will not meet that same fate.
U. This verse fits right in with B and N. Moses had warned about Israel's forgetting, and Asaph recounted the story of how it happened. Isaiah falls right in the middle, giving another prophecy that it would happen, but now shortly before their greatest fall. Isaiah describes the devastation of the land when God's punishment comes, and the reason for such harsh judgment is clearly identified. "For you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your refuge. Therefore you plant delightful plants and set them with vine slips of a strange god." (Isaiah 17:10). Forgetting the Rock is never a good thing. Remembering Him is critical. One of the dangerous times when forgetting could become a temptation is when things are going really well, and it isn't so necessary to rely on the Rock. The other dangerous time is when things are going really bad, and one is tempted to abandon the Rock who seems not to be treating them right. This cannot happen, and it would lead only to greater and more devastating results. The Rock cannot be forgotten - ever. He must always be the one we cling to and find our hope in.
V. This is one of Isaiah's high points of great rejoicing, when God delivers and redeems His people, and they follow Him whole-heartedly. "Trust in the LORD forever, for in God the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock." (Isaiah 26:4). The wonder of this verse is in the permanence of the Rock. The Rock is everlasting! He will never end. He will never lose His power. He will never lose His ability to protect and save. He will always be a dependable source of refuge - always! Since that is true, we can trust the Rock forever. Every day, every year, every trial, every new situation, every challenge - for the rest of our lives. There will not be a single one in which He lapses and our trust is not well-placed. Oh, and what happens when we trust in the Rock? V. 3 is that precious verse that tells us that because we trust in Him, He will keep us in perfect peace.
W. This is similar to Isaiah's first reference (T), only here Isaiah focuses only on the positive and intended potential. The Messiah is intended to be the Savior, the Redeemer, the one who provides the right foundation and who makes everything right. "Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, 'Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.'" (Isaiah 28:16 - quoted in Romans 9:33). The Rock is precious, more precious than anything else in the history of the world. His role is special, unlike any other, and He is able to establish what no one else can. This Rock is the basis of everything that matters. And those who believe in Him will be saved. They will not be disturbed - hastened, hurried, pushed away. They will be able to rest confidently and safely forever. This life will have its trials, but their eternity is secure and certain. At their core they are safe.
X. This is another of Isaiah's high points; as Isaiah describes the bountiful blessing that God will bring His people when they are restored to Him, he breaks out into a song of rejoicing which includes these words. "You will have songs as in the night when you keep the festival, and gladness of heart as when one marches to the sound of the flute, to go to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel." (Isaiah 30:29). He talks about going on a journey or pilgrimage to worship the Rock. The journey is one of great joy and singing and gladness. It is like one of the precious festivals, a special time. The Rock is associated with such singing and gladness for those who love and worship Him. By the way, I love v. 18 also. "Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him." While not referring to God specifically as the Rock, it does reveal why this Rock is so precious.
Y. God Himself is the speaker in this verse, and He reiterates truth that has been declared by Moses, Hannah, and David (B, C, D). Only this time it is God Himself declaring the truth. "Do not tremble and do not be afraid; have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none." (Isaiah 44:8). God is the only Rock. There is no other. And if God doesn't know of any other, there truly is no other, because God knows everything. God is not aware of any other source we can go to for strength and salvation and protection and stability. He is it. But because He is able to do it so well, we can do what the beginning of the verse states; we can be free from trembling and fear. He is talking about in relation to the prophecies and events that are yet to come. God knows exactly what will happen in history - both of the world and of each individual. It is all in the hands of the Rock. Those known or unknown future events may seem frightening to us, and they may threaten to overwhelm us when they arrive, but God is in control. He is our Rock, and He will hold us through everything that He already knew was going to happen.
Z. Habakkuk's reference is especially appropriate for those who are in the midst of confusing circumstances that seem overwhelmingly wrong. Habakkuk is making a prayer of protest and question to God. The scenario in Habakkuk's life was that the fierce and wicked Chaldean army, full of violence and void of regard for human life, was sweeping in to conquer Judah. This wasn't just Habakkuk's prediction or evaluation; it was what God had told him He was doing. This did not make sense to Habakkuk. Why would God, who is so righteous He can't even look on evil (v. 13), send such a wicked people as His instrument? In Habakkuk's own words, "Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?" (v. 13). This whole thing seems very wrong to Habakkuk, and he is questioning why God would do such a thing. In the midst of his questioning, he includes this verse: "Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. You, O LORD, have appointed them to judge; and You, O rock, have established them to correct." (Habakkuk 1:12). Habakkuk has some serious questions, but he also recognizes truth. God has always been. What God has said has always happened. God is the one who appoints and establishes, and when He does so, His plan is followed out. Habakkuk doesn't like the plan, but he recognizes it as indeed being by God's design, and he also recognizes that God can preserve His people even in the midst of such judgment. Habakkuk has a lot of questions and troubled thoughts as he contemplates what God has appointed to happen, as confusing and wrong as such action seemed to him. In the end, though, Habakkuk declares that he will trust God anyway, no matter what. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation" (3:17-18). We don't have to understand, but we do need to trust our Rock.
AA. Peter has declared that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus responded, "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." (Matthew 16:18). Whether the Rock referred to is Jesus Himself or the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, in essence, the meaning is the same: the church is founded upon Jesus the Messiah. That makes Him a pretty impressive Rock, able to support a huge weight. Able to hold it firmly and securely. Able to hold it against any threat or attack. That foundation is so sure and firm that it cannot be thwarted, broken, damaged, harmed, removed, threatened, or in any other way attacked with success. It will stand, and those who stand on that foundation will be safe.
BB. Our study started with Israel, and it ends with Israel. Paul tells of the guidance and provision of God for Israel. "And all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:4). Yes, as we have seen, Israel sometimes forgot the Rock. They sometimes turned their back on the Rock and rejected Him. But God never forgot them. When we think of how rebellious Israel was and of how many times they wavered, it is nothing short of amazing that God has stood by them all these years and continues to stand by them, still having great promises and a wonderful future for them. This verse tells of His provision; as they wandered in the wilderness, He went with them everywhere they went. As they faced the constant struggle of not having water, He gave them water - not just physical water, though He did that, but He is the spiritual water of life. And even though we are not perfect, just as Israel was not perfect, He is still the Rock that goes with us everywhere we go. He is still the Rock that graciously provides for us whether we deserve it or not. Paul isn't just telling history, however. He is giving a strong charge and caution. Sadly, "with most of them God was not well-pleased" (v. 5). They forgot their Rock too often, and that isn't what God wanted. God doesn't want us to follow that same path of wavering and inconsistency. That's why Paul is including this teaching. "Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved" (v. 6). They weren't a good example, that we should do what they did. They were a bad example, warning us to live differently. Yes, God will still be with us and can still work on our behalf when we waver and forget, but when we take that path - when we want what God doesn't want for us - we are in for a world of hurt and trouble. So much better to heed God's caution, to be different from Israel. Not to forget the Rock, but to follow that Rock and trust that Rock faithfully, no matter what happens. When we find ourselves wavering or wandering, we need to run back to that Rock, humbly and dependently. The problem is never with the Rock, and the Rock will never be unfaithful!
Such a wonderful truth that God is our Rock! It says that He is strong when man is weak. It says that He is solid when man is crushed. It says that He is massive when man is puny. It says that He is big when man is insignificant. It says that He is foreboding when man is intimidated. It says that He is steady when man is shaking. It says that He is immovable when man is shifting. It says that He is firm when man is melting. Man needs such a Rock, something to anchor him, to give him strength and stability.
God is other things too - a kind Shepherd, a loving Father, a sheltering Hen, a reassuring Comforter, a wise Judge, a good Master. Right now those pictures might be far outside the comprehension of one who is suffering greatly. Maybe he has a hard time even accepting them as true. So for now, he can start with God as his Rock. He can remember that there is something firm to hold onto, something to keep his faith from disappearing. As he clings to God, those other pictures will come back. Before long he will again see and embrace those other roles. God is good, and there is always hope with God.
It was interesting to me how many of the references to the Rock were found in songs, as if this concept is worthy of song, and I close with one more modern song about the Rock.
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
Vernon Charlesworth
The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes afright,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
The raging storms may round us beat,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
We'll never leave our safe Retreat,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our Helper ever near,
A Shelter in the time of storm.
