Finding Higher Ground

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. — Psalm 61:2

There are times we feel like David in the middle of a stormy sea. The water is up to our knees, and we do not falter. Up to our waist, and we do not shake. Up to our neck, and we begin to despair, yet not without hope. But what about when life rolls over our heads? When the trials of this life choke us? Oh, this is when David cries out, "Lead me to the rock, that is higher than I"—higher than our troubles, above the storms of our circumstances. Even though the top of it is out of our reach ("higher than I"), we can still say, "Lead me."

What is firmer than a rock? Waters may topple the mighty oak and tear them up by their roots. But my Rock shall stand fast forever. Do rocks defend us from storms on every side? So does this Rock. Is the blast from hell itself? Christ has the keys of hell and of death. Is it from sin? Christ is your righteousness. Is it from Satan? He has conquered principalities and powers. Is it from afflictions? He is your sympathizing and feeling High Priest. Is it from losses? He is your exceeding great reward. Is it from heavy providences? He makes all things work together for your good. Is it from anguish? He is your joy. Is it from darkness? He is your sun. Is it from doubts? He is your Counselor. Is it from deadness? He is your life. Is it from enemies? He is your shield. Is it from temptation? He is your deliverer. Is it from false friends? He will never leave you nor forsake you. Is it from death? He is the resurrection and the life. What a high rock is Christ, what a glorious refuge! Here we defy the worst storm that earth and hell can bring us. Here we must cling by faith to the Rock that is made of God, a hiding place from the storm, a shelter from the tempest until every blast blows over, and there is not a threatening cloud in the sky. Until our heaven is established with an everlasting calm, cry with a loud voice, "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I!"