When All You Can Do is Scream HELP!!!

Psalm 61:1-2 “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. 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.”

HELP!! Don’t you just feel like screaming that word once in a while? We all have weeks like this (or maybe even months or years!!). Life gets too full or too complicated. Your mind starts spinning wildly! Your heart starts beating uncontrollably! And that desperate word finally just escapes from your lips – HELP!

I believe the author of Psalm 61 felt this way. Though it is hard to pinpoint the exact situation that David was experiencing at this moment, it is easy to feel his pain. He seems desperate and longs for God to come to his aid.

As the Psalmist expresses his need for help and protection, you can also see his confidence in the almighty God Who has never failed him in the past. He desires to find refuge in the Rock Who is higher than he is.

I love the picture of Christ as our high rock for a number of reasons.

It speaks of protection. When I am overwhelmed with my circumstances, I want someone strong to step in and take over. Sometimes I don’t even want to talk about the situation, I just want to find a safe refuge where I can hide away, clear my mind of the cares, and rest. Christ is that for the believer. He is our stronghold in the day of trouble. His love and faithfulness will be our protection.

It speaks of power. Rocks are solid and provide stability. When I entrust my difficulties to “My Rock,” I know that I can trust in His ability to take care of things. I can truly rest knowing that He is all-powerful and nothing is too hard for Him. He will do the fighting against the enemies who threaten to harm me.

It speaks of permanence. Large rocks aren’t going anywhere. Sand and soil will wash away in a storm, but a rock stands still and doesn’t move. “Our Rock” promises never to leave us nor forsake us. We don’t need to worry that He will disappear in a crisis for He is a friend Who sticks closer than a brother. David recognized that God had given him the inheritance of those who had feared God’s name, and that this same God, Who was faithful to his forefathers, would also be faithful to him in his time of distress.

It speaks of clear perception. High rocks give us a view that we would not otherwise see. When I have climbed a high mountain in the past  I have gotten such a different outlook on my surroundings. “Our Rock” knows the bigger picture. Even when we can’t see what is really going on, He assures us that the testing of our faith develops perseverance that will complete us and make us more like Him. When we recognize this truth, it gives us reason to sing God’s praises, even in the midst of the storm.

So when you are deep in the middle of difficult circumstances – when your heart is growing faint and all you can do is scream HELP!!! – call out to Jesus. Say confidently with David, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

This same Rock will protect you,  powerfully help you, permanently stand by you, and realign your perception so that you can say with the Psalmist, “I will ever praise You!”

Love,

Mama