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 62:2 NIV
Although it is hard to date the writing of the Psalms of David, many agree that this particular one appears to be written as David was fleeing in the wilderness from his son Absalom. Can you imagine the weightiness for David? His son was trying to kill him. Absalom had already claimed the position of King. David and his followers were fleeing for their lives. Heavy on his mind must have been these thoughts, “How could God have let this happen? What did I do to deserve this? Why is my enemy, my son?” Can you relate?
The phrase “from the ends of the earth” is symbolic of an extreme distance. When you are going through struggles is appears that God is so very far away. His voice becomes softer or even silent. Memories of the good times have faded into a distant past. Feelings of closeness to God appear lost and any hope of them returning have faded away. It was in this place of despair that David began to direct his voice to God for help. No matter, how far away you feel, you can turn to God in prayer.
The phrase “my heart grows faint” literally means a heart that is covered with heaviness or darkness. David states that this is the place when he begins his cry to the Lord, while his heart is drowning with sorrow. You can make a move toward God even when your feelings are moving in the opposite direction. You can start your prayers for help when there are no feelings that hope is coming. God does not think it is hypocritical for you to ask for help even when your heart is really “not into it”. It is your place of need that qualifies you as a perfect candidate to cry out for mercy and not the status of your spiritual feelings or even your goodness…it is your neediness.
“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” is best understood in the cultural context of the times. I Samuel 13:6 shares a similar thought of Saul and his men looking for safety from the Philistine armies among the rocks during war. When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns.
David was familiar with hiding in caves. He spent years moving his men among the rocks while trying to escape from King Saul. His position could have easily been compromised if God had so desired. Yet God kept David hidden…among the rocks. David was familiar and thankful that he had eluded his enemy again and again among these rocks and he recognized God’s faithfulness to make that happen.
Today, you may not have a physical place to retreat from your stress and enemies. Many have found places for solitude and refreshing in their home, nature surroundings or even at a religious space. Yet, there is a place that you can go that supersedes physical boundaries. Jesus. Beyond the physical retreat, He is the source of protection and calm. He is your rock. Move in His direction. He will not disappoint you. He provides a firm place for you to regain your footing.
Not only is He the destination rock, He is also the one to guide you to that place of safety. His primary method is to give you wisdom to take the next step. His word is a lamp unto your feet. One step in the right direction positions you to be in the right place for the next step. Many steps in the right direction take you to a whole new place of safety. Are you willing to take the first step of obedience in the direction of His voice?
Lean into Jesus. He will be a firm foundation even when you have chosen the most slippery path that has taken you far away from Him. You will find that He is always a faithful friend. Learn how to stand on this Rock.
Blessings Love y’all.