The Rock

When I hear the word “rock”, I think of something hard, strong and permanent.  Several times in scripture Jesus is referred to as the Rock. 

When I was a kid growing up one of my close friends in the neighborhood got a rock tumbler as a Christmas gift.  She and I had hours of fun collecting various types and sizes of rocks and putting them in that tumbler.  We were both continually amazed at how that contraption could change the size, shape, color and texture of the rock we chose.  And the emerging product would not even resemble the original rock we placed in the machine!

As I think of Jesus being “My Rock”, I know He has done that same kind of transformation for me.  When I spend time with Him in the Bible, pray or depend on Him for difficult, easy and everyday circumstances, He transforms me as well — from the inside out.  Just like with the rock tumbler; it’s somewhat of a mystery how that happens.  But I know through years of experience, His Holy Spirit is constantly working to convict, guide, remind, encourage, change and transform me to be more like Jesus…and I am grateful.  I don’t want to stay stagnant.  I want “more of Him and less of me”.  I want the finished product to resemble HIM and not my sinful self.

In the Old Testament, rocks were used to build houses, temples and altars.  In addition, they were used as weapons (in battle or even stoning someone) or for protection.  Rocks had numerous uses…from protection to defending oneself to remembering God’s faithfulness.  I think all of these “uses” still apply to Jesus.  He is our Defender, Provider and Protection.

But one of the sweetest thoughts to me is that rocks were also used as people traveled to have a place to sit and rest their weary bodies.  Perhaps people used rocks to rest their head on night if they were like Jesus …”no place to lay His head on at night”.  Jesus, the Rock, provides us rest like no other, if we allow Him in…into our hardship, into our struggle, into our life.

For whatever reason, when I think of Jesus being my Rock, the image that comes to mind is being in a river that is rushing with rapids all around.  I’m bobbing up and down, trying to keep my head above water and gasping for air.  Out of nowhere, a Rock pops up out of the violent, turbulent waters.  I immediately turn and cling to it, knowing it’s there to rescue me and pull me up. It’s a lifeline in the midst of the rushing violent waters.  It will now be my security and stronghold.  When my wet and tired fingers begin to slip, mighty, strong and eternal hands cover mine.  These Hands are firm but loving; strong but tender; mighty but gentle.  And they never let go.  They keep mine firmly planted on the Rock.  That “hold” steadies me and calms my spirit and helps me ride out the “waves of life”.

Where did that image come from?  I have no idea.  But many times when I’ve read verses about Jesus being the Rock, this image comes to mind so I attribute it to the Holy Spirit.  Whatever the case, it’s a good reminder of how HE is my security, stability and rescuer.

There are many other verses in which Jesus is referred to as the Cornerstone or the Rock.  For me personally, one of the most meaningful illustrations of Jesus being my Rock comes from Matthew 7:24-27.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet, it did not all, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. 

How does this translate into everyday terms for me as a believer in 2026?  God, as my Creator, gave me a choice.  I can choose to live my life with a firm foundation as Jesus being my Rock  or I can choose to trust in my own instincts and my own intellect.

The rain and storms of life are a given; they will come. At 63, I know that all too well as I’ve experienced many in my life.   But do I face these storms on my own or by calling out and depending on the Rock (My Savior and Lord who knows best) or myself?

Have you ever been hiking up or down a mountain or even a steep terrain?  I’m not the best at this skill so my husband, who is much more adept, usually instructs me where to place my foot when I’m tentative or afraid.  It’s such a relief and comfort, when you’re unstable or off balance, to place your foot on a sure rock that doesn’t move or shake. It steadies you and provides security, comfort and peace of mind.  That’s what God is through His Son, Jesus…our sure footing…our Rock.  Imagine stepping down into sand, and your foot sinking or turning over.  It’s a mess!!  This passage reminds us that without Jesus, we are stepping into sinking sand…we have no permanent security or foundation.

How about you?  Is your foundation firm in the Rock of Ages or are you sinking in the fleeting, futile and temporary sand of this world and your own devices?