Have you ever wondered about the phrase " solid as the Rock of Gibraltar"? It always bring about an image of something that is invincible 
and immovable. But aren't all rocks solid by nature? I suppose they are; but the reason the Rock of Gibraltar has worked its way into our vocabulary as a simile is because of its history and its size. Located in Great Britain, this rock juts 1396 feet out of the ground. In ancient Greek times, it was known as a Pillar of Hercules and marked the edge of the known world. It was a prime staging area for many battles ranging from the War of Spanish Succession to World War II. Its reputation for invincibility comes from that fact that even though it may have been temporarily under siege from time to time, it seems that nothing could destroy the Rock or its people. The Rock of Gibraltar is a true symbol of strength. But I know of a stronger Rock!
Since we are taking a little historical journey, let's look at the origins of another rock. I'm referring to the rock in the old hymn " Rock of Ages". Wow, this one brings back memories. In case you've never heard the song, let me provide you with a few of the lyrics.
" Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure."
As you can see, it is written in very old English and is a little hard to understand. No wonder . . .it was written in 1776 by Augustus Toplady. I recently learned Mr. Toplady's inspiration for the song. You see, he was out on a walk one day when a thunderstorm came along. Desperate to find shelter and refuge, he ran to a rocky glen hoping to find anything to keep him dry and safe. He found two massive slabs of limestone rock a hundred feet high where he was able to squeeze in for protection. Praying while he was waiting out the storm, he wrote the first two lines of the song. Clearly, 'ol Augustus created an excellent word picture to describe how God is able to give us shelter in the storms of life.
Is that how you picture our Heavenly Father, as a Rock of Gibraltar? Do you picture Him as the Rock of Ages? The Old Testament refers to God as our Rock, our Refuge and our Deliverer.
" The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" ( Psalm 18:2 NIV).
Take a few minutes to do a self-inventory of the rocks that you are holding onto during your grief recovery. Our loving Father provides many blessings in the forms of friends, family, and church community that will walk with you through this storm. These are special gifts from God. However, its important to acknowledge that the only true Rock in our lives is God Himself. Everything else we may be running to for shelter is only temporary and will eventually fade away.
Grieving Toolbox
Have you identified some rocks you are depending on for safety and refuge instead of your Heavenly Father? Is it your spouse, your best friend or your pastor? Is it food, alcohol, or some other addictive behavior? Is it your job, your possessions, or your pride? Please know that any of these things will surely fail you because the only true source of salvation and relief from the pain you are experiencing is God the Rock. Therefore, the tool I would like to add to your tool box is surrender rocks. Gather several rocks about the size of the palm of your hand. If you have identified something that your are holding on to for strength instead of holding on to the Lord, write its name on the little rock with a magic marker. For example, if you run to food for comfort, write the word "food" on the rock. Then go to a field, steam or wooded area and literally throw the rock away. If you live in the city, perhaps you could throw the rock in a dumpster of down the sewer. Doing so will symbolize that you are no longer placing anything of this world ahead of the true Rock of your salvation. You will surrender all to God.
Journaling Ideas
1. What little rocks have you identified that you turn to for comfort and strength when you should be turning to God the Rock.
2. Write a letter to God and ask forgiveness for not running to Him first when you hurt.
3. Read Psalm 27:4-5. Describe how God will provide comfort to you.
4. What evidence to you see of God in your life?
5. What do you miss most about your loved one?
Dear child of God, I pray that you will experience the strength and love of the One who saves those who are crushed in spirit and is close to the brokenhearted. May your Rock of Ages be your ever-present help in your time of trouble when if feels like the earth is crumbling and the mountains are falling into the sea. ( based on Psalm 34:18 and 46:1-2 )
Have you ever wondered about the phrase " solid as the Rock of Gibraltar"? It always bring about an image of something that is invincible
and immovable. But aren't all rocks solid by nature? I suppose they are; but the reason the Rock of Gibraltar has worked its way into our vocabulary as a simile is because of its history and its size. Located in Great Britain, this rock juts 1396 feet out of the ground. In ancient Greek times, it was known as a Pillar of Hercules and marked the edge of the known world. It was a prime staging area for many battles ranging from the War of Spanish Succession to World War II. Its reputation for invincibility comes from that fact that even though it may have been temporarily under siege from time to time, it seems that nothing could destroy the Rock or its people. The Rock of Gibraltar is a true symbol of strength. But I know of a stronger Rock!
Since we are taking a little historical journey, let's look at the origins of another rock. I'm referring to the rock in the old hymn " Rock of Ages". Wow, this one brings back memories. In case you've never heard the song, let me provide you with a few of the lyrics.
" Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure."
Is that how you picture our Heavenly Father, as a Rock of Gibraltar? Do you picture Him as the Rock of Ages? The Old Testament refers to God as our Rock, our Refuge and our Deliverer.
" The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" ( Psalm 18:2 NIV).
Take a few minutes to do a self-inventory of the rocks that you are holding onto during your grief recovery. Our loving Father provides many blessings in the forms of friends, family, and church community that will walk with you through this storm. These are special gifts from God. However, its important to acknowledge that the only true Rock in our lives is God Himself. Everything else we may be running to for shelter is only temporary and will eventually fade away.
Grieving Toolbox
Journaling Ideas
1. What little rocks have you identified that you turn to for comfort and strength when you should be turning to God the Rock.
2. Write a letter to God and ask forgiveness for not running to Him first when you hurt.
3. Read Psalm 27:4-5. Describe how God will provide comfort to you.
4. What evidence to you see of God in your life?
5. What do you miss most about your loved one?
Dear child of God, I pray that you will experience the strength and love of the One who saves those who are crushed in spirit and is close to the brokenhearted. May your Rock of Ages be your ever-present help in your time of trouble when if feels like the earth is crumbling and the mountains are falling into the sea. ( based on Psalm 34:18 and 46:1-2 )