At the end of a family hike was this stunning waterfall. If you were never there, it is a wonderfully, refreshing surprise! A rewarding end to an adventurous day.
On our path in Christian life, we must continue along, pressing forward to the prize. This is stated in Philippians 3:14 (NKJV):
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Then the rivers of living water will flow.
“He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of His heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 (NKJV)
A rock is not a living object but is inanimate. However, this lifeless object brings pictures of understanding concerning God. The rock, in this photo, is a large mass of stone, forming a hill, with a cliff. We use the term ROCK to represent a firm foundation or support. The Bible refers to the LORD as our ROCK!
Let us look at what the Bible says about this.
“There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.” 1 Samuel 2:2 (NASB )
Looking at the image, we can visualize this. We can see in the picture the rock is not a pebble; it is not a small stone, or even a boulder, but it is a large foundation stone, which can withstand much, just like our God.
The Bible further states:
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)
Looking closer at some of the words used in the above scripture will help us get a fuller understanding.
Rock- A rock signifies something solid and strong.
Fortress- This is a place we feel protected.
Deliverer-Is someone who can rescue from harm.
Strength- Is being firm, courageous and powerful.
Trust- To have confidence, certainty and to rely on.
Shield- An Armor used to protect.
Salvation-Is to be saved from one’s sins.
Stronghold- Someone or something has a grip on you. This can be good or bad.
All the above words were used in Psalm 18:2 to help us to understand more about God and who He is. In these descriptive words, God is portrayed as, strong in nature; a person who supplies shelter for protection. The one who can rescue, give courage and power. Through these, we can take confidence in Him. Furthermore, we can always rely on Him. He shields us, saves us from our sins and will never let us go. He is the foundation stone we can build upon and stand on. Surely, He is worthy of our trust and adoration. How can we look upon creation, read His word and not see that it all falls into perfect place? Our God is our ROCK!
In this picture, I see it is the night, the time of darkness. However, God does not leave us without light.
“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So, the evening and the morning were the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5 (NKJV)
There was a darkness that was hovering over the waters when God created light, giving us day and night. A little while later God added two specific lights to help guide us.
“Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.” Genesis 1:16 (NKJV)
Now, we have the Sun to rule the day, and the Moon to rule the night. Even so, the greatest factor in all of this is told in the following verse by the Apostle John.
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5 (NKJV)
God is light. He emanates light from His being! No darkness can dwell in Him. Looking at this picture, at the bottom, we see the deepest darkness. As we get further away from the light, the darker it is. When we get closer to the light, the darkness is illuminated. It changes to more of a blue, I call this “Midnight Blue.” His light glows through the darkness, clearing the way until it beams out shining brightly for all to see. God cannot contain Himself; His light must shine forth. He is the light of the world.
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV)
God is faithful, from the beginning until the end of time. All of this is part of His plan.
“It shall be established forever like the moon, Even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah Psalm 89:37(NKJV)
Midnight Blue
In our midnight hour, when all is blue, He is there. When it is the darkest, look up, do not fear. The light of God dwells within, it is always near. He will enfold you in His loving care. He is faithful, constant, steadfast and true. We can always trust the light to help us through. God is the light in the darkness. He is forever true.
Walk in His ways and the darkness will have no hold. Let His light shine.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 (NIV)
These Black-Eyed Susan flowers are bright and pretty. God created them, for a season, for us to enjoy. They are standing strong and tall, in all their glory. Sadly, they will fade away. God likened our lives to the grass and flowers that dry up, wane, then vanish. We are reminded, in God’s word, of the shortness of human life on the earth. All life is strong and glorious for a season, but we are fleeting. He created us for His good pleasure. In our time and purpose, let us not waver. Stand strong and tall in your season, giving all glory to God.
“Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.” Ephesians 1:9 (NKJV)
This is His word, let us take comfort in knowing that the word of our God will withstand all time on earth and into eternity. While our time on earth fades, we too, if in Christ, can share eternity. Not only will His word stand forever, He does as well. Let this comfort you as you walk along your earthly journey. He will not, at any time, leave you nor forsake you!
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)
The Bible is His living word to us. It is up to us to read, memorize, study, hide, believe, receive, claim and love it! It will “Stand Forever.” LIVE IT!
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
Thought for today . . . If you are in the tunnel of darkness, always remember there is light at the end of the tunnel. The light at the end of your dark tunnel is the living Christ. Travel through that tunnel and come to the light. Let Jesus light your path. He is the way, truth and life. Fear not for He is with you. Believe and trust.
Seasons come and seasons go, but God stays true through all.
As we transition from Summer to Fall, we surely become aware of this, not only by the cooler temperatures, but also by the display in colors of the leaves. Where I live, it is a season we get to enjoy. The leaves lose their chlorophyll, allowing the true colors to come forth. It is also a time of harvest from all the Summer growth. In Fall, we prepare for the season of Winter, where we rest and enjoy the reap of the harvest, while waiting for the renewal and refreshing that Spring brings. God speaks about this in His word, in Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV,
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”
Each season has its purpose. Every year the Summer, season of growth, closes with the change of color in the leaves, becoming Fall. Fall is a time of change and harvest. As the leaves fall to the ground, a yielding to the next season of Winter is taking place. Winter is a season where we rest and enjoy the harvest. Then, once again, Spring arrives, bringing with it a fresh newness. It is a season of new beginning, planting and hope. The cycle starts once again. All the seasons have their “purpose under heaven.”
Surely, this is true in our own lives as well. All the times and seasons have a “purpose.” We learn; we apply and grow. We reap; rest and trust God through it all. Let God show you His “purpose under heaven” for you. Then take your opportunity; share it in due season and He will bless you beyond your dreams.
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