Rock of My Salvation

The woodland surrounding our home is covered in trees and huge boulders.  At one time the property was both a tree farm and a rock quarry.  The rocks are also a nuisance, because they are everywhere and make walking the property and gardening a challenge.  But these big boulders are also very useful.  The tall oak trees, which tower over the woods have deep roots which wrap around these buried boulders.  These huge rocks act as an anchor during heavy storms, keeping the mighty oaks firm in the ground where they belong. Occasionally, a weakened tree succumbs to the wind and providentially finds its way into one of our home’s wood stoves.  For the most part, these towering oaks are strong and surround our property like a wooded fortress.  The trees shelter and feed herds of deer, dozens of squirrels and countless birds.  It truly feels like a woodland fortress. 

What comes to mind when you think of a fortress? Do you picture something strong and undefeatable, like a Medieval castle? A castle fortress like the ones our family saw scattered around the Scottish countryside were made of indestructible boulders.  These castles clearly had stood the test of time.  They are steadfast and held up to the enemy’s attacks for centuries. 

Lately, I feel like I have been under attack.  I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, received a double mastectomy and now, I am recovering from a potentially life-threatening infection.  At times, I have felt like one of the trees in my woods, swaying in the wind, holding on to the boulders for dear life.  But I worship a great God, who’s unfailing love is infinitely greater than any storms or illness the enemy throws at me.  Psalm 62: 1-2 says, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”

In God, through the saving work of Jesus, my salvation is secure and protected by my Heavenly Father.  That is the hope I cling to.  Rest assured, my fleshly body will fail me and news flash…. so, will yours one day too!  But “God is our refuge”; in him our destiny is secure. In God our souls find rest and salvation!  While I may turn to others for encouragement and help during this cancer journey, God alone is the rock to which I cling to for eternal rest.  In the mean time during this storm, I stretch out my roots and hold on for dear life to the “Rock of my salvation”.  This may be my fight, but it is all for God’s glory!