When I want to pray and the words just aren’t there, I turn to the book of Psalms. Most of them are written by David and he had an honesty that makes me cringe sometimes. In seven verses he can cover hopelessness, encroaching death, and victory above all. Whatever I may be feeling, David has a verse for it.
This morning, I turned to Psalm 61. He starts out with a common beginning for him, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.” I never really think to ask God to listen to me. I assume He is. Most of the time I just butt in with my half sentences and most needy requests and skip the formalities. Not David. He enters the throne room of God like a petitioner before the court, “Listen to me. Hear me!” Of course, these are psalms or songs, so a chorus of “hear me, O Lord” sung from the soul can put chills up your spine and make a worship service. It’s probably just me, but I can imagine David singing some of these with a little Texas twang, like his heart feels every note.
His words are not shallow. He prays by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and he asks for things I need.
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2
I’ve been there. I’ve gone to the end. I have done all that I know to do. I have worked, studied, prayed, pleaded, argued, given grace, fasted, wept, threatened, and acted like all is fine to the VERY END. I think the words are something like, “I can’t do it anymore, Lord. This is it. I’m at my end. I’ve circled this mountain long enough. I’m done.” Been there?He follows it with a faint heart, literally. As life is seeping out, he calls one more time. Now, I don’t know the circumstances here. David fought many physical, bloody, battles. He was chased by murderous kings, traitorous friends and even a lion and a bear, so his heart may have been beating his last, when he cried. He also had a rebellious son, an adulterous affair, a son die in childhood, and some real unforgiveness. These too will suck the life out of you. Either way, he is faint with a heart that is broken.
I’m singing the song right along with him, until now. “lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Wait, huh? I’m in the valley here. I need a doctor, a counselor, maybe an undertaker. I’m not asking for a high rock.
But it turns out, that’s what I need.
As we “climb” this rock, let me show you around.
Big Picture
The first thing I notice up here is the Big Picture. I can see my life much clearer. I can see where I’ve come from and what’s ahead of me. I can see that hard trail was better than that deadly cliff on the other side. I notice the ruts I made trying to get somewhere that God never wanted me to go. I see the other travelers. That one, that I thought was throwing rocks, was just trying to get his footing in some loose gravel. God speed, Brother.
You know, the long, treacherous trail is really quite beautiful from this vantage point.
See My Enemies
Not just your fellow travelers are revealed, but you can see the enemy approaching as well. We all have an enemy, you know? On flat ground, I rarely see him coming. I will be doing my life, walking my path, and he strikes – a fiery dart that spins me around until I begin to lose my footing. From up here, I see him. Forget him sneaking up hill. Not only is his cover removed, but his weapons are weaker. Ever tried shooting an arrow straight up? Gravity bites. But standing on this rock, my weapons are mighty and my target is clear and I’m firing downward. From the beginning, Genesis 3, it was said that the devil would strike Christ’s heel and Christ would crush his head. That’s easy to see from this heighth.
Builds My Faith
The Bible speaks of mountain moving faith, but from up here, it seems there might be faith building mountains. When I stand upon the rock that is higher than I, faith grows. That problem that loomed overhead, is not so intimidating from here. That’s why I love the mountains. Two years ago, my husband and I visited Colorado and drove thru the Rockies. We pulled over often and tried to take it all in. You look out for miles and know that the God who made those giant ROCKS, can do whatever He wants to. Uh, let me think…. Nope, there is NOTHING He can’t do!
Keeps Me Clean
Just like the noise pollution, there is sin pollution down there. Standing on this rock, the Lord keeps me clean. There’s so much mud being flung down there. The paths are full of grime and sludge. Take your eyes off Jesus for a minute, and you’ll step knee deep into mire. Depression, addiction, and despair will wrap around you like briers. Up here, He keeps me spotless from the world.
Hear God’s Voice
You’ll notice as you climb, that the noises of this world grow quieter and quieter. There’s a lot of word pollution on street level. Climb a little more and you can hear your own breath. Sure, you might be breathing a little harder by now. But listen, when you go to the rock that is higher than yourself, you will begin to hear Our Father and nothing else. One thing I have learned in life is that a word from Him is all I need. Rarely does He shout. He doesn’t have to up here. Just listen.
That’s it. Like I said, David never sang a shallow song. Every word inspired by God, he prayed the words I needed today. “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Show me that view that puts life in perspective. David knew that eye level isn’t the whole truth. There is a Rock that sees it all.
Where is that Rock, you ask? It’s Jesus. He is that spiritual Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4). Find Him. His view is greater. His strength is immovable. His voice is discernible. He will wash and protect you. He is the Rock that is higher.
"Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the ROCK eternal." Isaiah 26:4
Love!