I love you, God— you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God—the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout.
I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty, and find myself safe and saved.
Psalm 18: 1-3 The Message
We turn to God for many reasons, including safety and reassurance. Here in Psalm 18, the Psalmist uses a variety of images to reinforce the truth that God is the refuge where we can find safety and help at all times.
One image the Psalmist brings to mind is bedrock. The large dams on the Columbia which are close to us, Rocky Reach Dam and Rock Island Dam, have been in place for decades because their footings rest not on the silt on the bottom of the river, but upon the bedrock underneath the silt. Even the force of the mighty Columbia’s waters, with all of its turbulence, has not torn away these dams. Why? Because they rested upon bedrock. In the same way, nothing can shake us or disturb us if we rest in God.
God’s presence is also pictured as a castle. Made of stone, castles are built to defend those inside against outside aggressors, and enemies. Arrows, and even battering rams will have trouble puncturing a castle with good defenses. When we remain in God, many of the spiritual arrows of the evil one will not be effective against us. When we are surrounded by God’s protection, He will save us.
The third main image in this Psalm: God as a high crag upon a mountain, is one which many of us can relate to in North Central Washington. As one drives between here and Chelan, one can glance up to view the cliffs, which are often dotted with Mountain Goats, who find safety and security by hiding among the rocks. Seeing these white creatures silhouetted against the grey and brown rocks is truly memorable…
All of these images should comfort us, and provide us with hope. Our God cares about us, and knows we are vulnerable. Therefore, our Lord offers us safety, and security. When we trust in Him, we know we are saved. From the dams on the river, to the cliffs and rock formations around our valley, we understand the security and reassurance our Lord offers to us. Therefore, when we are being attacked, or feeling like others would seek to destroy us and our faith, let us “hide behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout,” of our Lord! Amen!
Prayer
God of the mountains (El Shaddai),
We sometimes feel vulnerable in our world, at the mercy of all kinds of enemies. When that happens, remind us that we can always hide ourselves in You. You are the bedrock upon which we can stand against every storm. We thank You for Your sure foundation, which never wavers. When we feel threatened, remind us that we are always safe in You. Thank you for Your care, Your provision, and Your reassurance. We pray this prayer in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
