Set High on a Rock
Scripture Reading — Psalm 27
In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Today’s image of a rock describes the life we live when we align with God. The psalmist finds himself in a life-threatening situation. Terrible things are happening around him, and yet his request is simply to dwell with God and to enjoy the beauty of the Lord. Imagine!
Then, after expressing that desire, the psalm resounds with the conviction that God will provide the best protection: shelter, safety, and a vantage point for viewing the surrounding area.
To conceal and to set high on a rock seem like opposites. Wouldn’t being high on a rock expose a person to danger? Not necessarily. In this situation, God gives the gift of perspective. From the position of being high on a rock, the psalmist can see approaching danger and won’t be caught off guard. It’s a strategic advantage to be in that place of security. God also provides shelter to make the psalmist less vulnerable to attack.
While our circumstances may not change, it is possible for God to put our feet on solid ground so that even while we can see danger around us, our perspective is grounded and firm. In that place, we can “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Lord our God, you do all things well. Set us high on a rock and enable us to be strong and take heart and wait for you. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Julia Prins Vanderveen
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