My Rock by Salina Gibson

I spent a lot of time on that rock.

It was where I escaped when I discovered grandpa had cancer. It was the perfect place to heal from childhood wounds, and it was the first place I ran after finding out my grandpa had died.

When I was a young girl one of my favorite places to go was a wooded area behind our house. Through the years this area became something of a safe haven for me, a place I could go when I wanted to be alone, or needed a little thinking time. 

One spot in particular where I felt the safest was a huge rock. The back side of the rock had places etched into it that provided footholds for climbing. Once on top you could sit comfortably and feel as though you were the only person in the world. 

Today, as I’m writing this, I still feel a strong connection to that safe place in the woods. As I think back I realize it was not only my safe place, but also the place where I first started my one-on-one conversation’s with God. 

As an adult I’ve continued those conversations, but I still face times when I want a place to go to so I can feel that same sense of security I felt on that rock. 

We all have days when it seems as though our lives have been knocked off course. The cause might be our jobs, a relationship that has gone awry, problems with family, or sickness. Or we may feel just plain overworked and under-appreciated. 

Whatever the reason, we have to realize we don’t need a place to run for Proverbs 18:10 says “the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” His name alone is enough to provide protection from anything we might face. 

In the Bible, a strong tower was a fortified structure that was too tall for the enemy to reach. God is above all of our problems. He sees every tear, feels every ounce of pain, and knows every single fear we have. He also knows the answer to all of our problems; we just need to learn to place them all into His hands and watch Him take over.

I no longer need a physical rock to run to, for I now have One I’m able to carry with me.  

“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. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:12-13 NIV)

Salina is from Kentucky. She enjoys UK Wildcat basketball, photographing wildflowers, and living life with her husband Denver and boxer Rocky. You can read more about her love for God on her blog Heart Reflected.