Psalm 71:3 NKJV
“Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.”
The Israelites often turned to the mountainous areas in their vicinity to stay safe from attacking enemies. So, when the Psalmist looks up to God as his rock of refuge, he’s being dependent on Him for strength and security. He knows he cannot survive on his own, so he’s looking to the Lord to keep him safe in the midst of adversity.
When you think about it, a solid rock serves many purposes:
- A rock in the sea is a stronghold for anyone in danger of being washed away.
- A rocky cave provides a safe place to hide from an enemy, or acts as shelter from the sun and rain.
- A house that’s built on a rock has a more secure foundation.
Strength, safety, security – these are the words that encapsulate what we find in our everlasting Rock of Refuge, our Lord Jesus Christ.
No matter what adversity you’re going through, remember that You can always turn to the Lord. He will be your strength when the waves of life come crashing at you. He will hold you close and protect you from those who seek to harm you. Build your life on the Word of God, implement what you’re learning from Him, and you will not be shaken (Matthew 7:24-25).
