Lead Me to the Rock

Today's Reading:
AM - Psalm 61 and 52
PM - Psalm 68
Gospel - John 4:43-54

For reflection: When you bring your problems to God, do you tend to accept His word or to keep fretting and worrying?

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As I read the 61^st Psalm, I am intrigued that the prelude of that song of David (in the NIV) says:

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

Most folk who know me can imagine why that intrigues me, since I am a strong lover of folk/bluegrass music (especially as rendered as the “bluegrass gospel” genre).  The Psalm that follows brings me to the old favorite of my genre “Lead Me To The Rock That Is Higher Than I” and the sentiment and meaning in that song:

I just imagine David as he looked around at all the rocks within view and asks God to lead him to the one that I bigger than him!  He didn’t want a little rock – those were for slings, medium sized were for sitting, but big ones were for hiding behind.  That was what David was after!

Don’t we all want a secure place of protection?  I sure do!  Don’t tell me that you don’t want to hide at times.  We all do - a protection from the words and onslaughts from well-meaning friends as well as enemies.

Even as King, David needed a secure place to hide – B'rer Rabbit had his briar patch, David had his rock and we all have access to our God and His promise of a secure place from ALL problems.

Here is David’s Psalm:

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.

 1 Hear my cry, O God;
   listen to my prayer.

 2 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.
3 For you have been my refuge,
   a strong tower against the foe.

 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
   and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.[b]
5 For you, God, have heard my vows;
   you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

 6 Increase the days of the king’s life,
   his years for many generations.
7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
   appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

 8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
   and fulfill my vows day after day.

- Hal Gross