Encouragements for our troubled times No. 59
COVID-19 Series | Date: 06 May 2021
The Elders and Deacons want to encourage the members and those who regularly meet with us through this weekly letter. If you have news which you would be happy to share with the fellowship or request for prayer, then please let us know.
A message from our Pastor
Psalm 61:2
“When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”
We are mere mortal beings in a hostile world and, therefore we are vulnerable and subject to all the troubles and trials of life. Even as the Lord’s children we can find ourselves overwhelmed by these things. It may be disappointments because people have let us down; or because we have let ourselves or our Saviour down. It may be some form of heartbreak due to some loss in our lives, particularly if we have lost someone close to us. It may be persecution and hostility from those around us or worse, from those whom we love and care for. It may be due to the pressures of life or anxieties that trouble us. Or maybe we have been overwhelmed by guilt, shame, and despair due to temptation or sin. There are many ways we can feel overwhelmed in this world and at these times that we need that Rock that is higher than I.
But it is at these times that we often feel so cast down and confused that we cannot think clearly or see clearly how we might find that Rock. It’s at these times that we need to be led to that Rock. Like a pilot boat that guides a ship to the shelter of a safe harbour, we need the Spirit and His Word to guide us to the Rock. And as we pray for the Spirits help and search the Scriptures, He shows us that Rock. And as we seek our Saviours aid the Spirit helps us to pray.
But this is no ordinary rock that we seek. Like a mariner who has been shipwrecked in a wild storm no ordinary rock will do; it needs to be higher than the waves that would wash him out to sea. A solid foundation on which he can stand and wait out the storm. A shelter from the wind and waves. And we have such a Rock for all the storms of life, the Rock of Ages, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is the Rock on which we can stand. He will never be moved for He is the Almighty and nothing can move Him. He is the Rock that is above all the things of life; no trouble, or trial, or sin can thwart Him or is too great that He cannot overthrow. He knows how to comfort us in our distresses for He has been tempted in all things as we have. He is the lover of our soul and cares for us. We are precious to Him, the apple of His eye, so tenderly loved by Him.
The problem with us is that when we are overwhelmed, we still think that we can, somehow, work it out ourselves. We swim around trying to keep our heads above water when we should be standing upon the Rock that is higher than I. If only we would fly to Him and cast ourselves upon Him, we would spare ourselves some much heartache and find Him more than a match for all that troubles us.
Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power.