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

I recently wrote a congregant whose family has been experiencing many troubles. As I read and re-read the outpouring of thoughts and emotions, I found myself experiencing the hurt and the confusion that they were feeling and expressing. As a pastor but, more importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ, I know that there will always be moments like these in our lives, but that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier. It’s hard to praise God and experience joy in the Lord when you can’t breathe.

Searching for words to share, I turned where we must all turn: Scripture. I shared a passage from Psalm 107. Upon reflection, I think Psalm 61:2b would have been better. It is a single request, plain in its appeal: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Lead me to a place higher than my present circumstances.

Look, problems abound, and anyone trying to sell you immediate deliverance and instant assurance is a purveyor of snake oil. Read your Bible. Take a trip through the Psalms. It is through the battle that God delivers us, and His salvation is seen. The cross and the rolled away stone go together. Any attempt to reference one without the other is dangerous.

Yet it is that simple truth that God delivers those who are in dire straits that leads to the powerful prayer of Psalm 61:2b. We can’t save ourselves, but we can appeal to the One who has the power to deliver. We belong to One who is bigger than our problems. God’s salvation always comes with wings.

In Christ,

Pastor Sam

Please join our community online for a virtual prayer meeting this Friday! Bring your heart, your burdens, and your faith as we draw near to God in prayer.

Topic: FPC Community Prayer

Time: January 22 at 7:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82648751043

Meeting ID: 826 4875 1043

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To protect the health of our congregation and staff, and to be a good neighbor in our community, we have suspended on-site group activities, including worship, choir, and handbell practice, for the time being. Services like Meals on Wheels continue, but all volunteers must take the well-known protective measures. If you need to come to the building, please call the office ahead of your visit and avoid in-person contact. Until we can meet again in person, join us online on Sunday mornings at 9:00, as we worship God together. And please keep our church and our community in your prayers.