Sunday, September 2, 2012

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.

22 comments:

  1. I love reading your posts everyday they inspire me that God is always with me. You are a true lover of God and his messages he has for his people. Through your eyes we see God clearly and in a way that is close to your heart. Thank you for all you give, it will defiantly be returned in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. God Bless You and Your Family.
    Lenora

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lenora for always being so faithful in reading my posts. I cherish your words. My God richly bless you and your family.

      Delete
  2. I had a few tears knowing exactually what rock you climbed on! I love you with all my heart and soul and admire your wonderful writings. You are so talented and I am so proud that you are using it for the Glory of Our Lord. Sis keep up the talent... Angie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Angie. That rock sure brought a lot of comfort, but knowing I have The Rock is an even bigger one. Love you too.

      Delete
  3. Beautifully written. Sometimes just reading someone else's words, hearing your own through them, allows you comfort you did t realize you needed. Thank you for reminding me gently that I am not alone...I haveny Rick with me at all times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I appreciate the time you took to read and comment and I'm blessed to know it gave you comfort.

      Delete
  4. You take me back to my childhood forest that was my refuge. It is impossible not to hear and feel God's majesty in a forest. Through your words and reflections it reminds me that He is always with me. You are a gift that God gave me to fortify my faith.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Janie,

      I'm always at my most peaceful while in God's natural beauty. My mind is at rest and I feel closest to God.
      You are a wonderful gift to me too, one always filled with encouragement.

      Delete
  5. Great writing Salina, we all should have a literal actual refuge to eet with our Lord when we need to escape, to be alone, or to vent.
    For me it was the woods where I grew up first. These days it's the bench in the back garden with a coffee and a good book - even if I am serenaded by the sound of tanks rumbling and monkeys chattering while I'm out there.
    Praise God that wherever we are and whatever we do He is our Constancy.
    Bless you.
    Matt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Matt,

      My resting spot is now a bench in my garden too. I love the knowledge that no matter where we go we take Him with us, but it seems like some places are a little more special to us than others. Thanks for reading and commenting. Monkeys and tanks.....that makes me laugh every time. :)

      Delete
  6. I enjoyed this post! You are a great writer. Thank you for posting and sharing your heart.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Deborah. I appreciate your words and glad you stopped by to read and comment. God bless.

      Delete
  7. Hi Salina,

    Since first reading your post earlier, I have been thinking about it all day. As I drove to an appointment today in the gorgeous late summer weather, the light bathed the landscape and Corfe Castle. I considered the Rock of our life, how he is our strong foundation, truth, and fortress :). I praised Him with all that I am.

    Thank you for your lovely post. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear friend. I bet the view of Corfe Castle was breathtaking. I can't wait to see that someday.

      Let's praise Him together!

      Delete
  8. Hello Salina,

    I was so confused when I recognized your name from a different site, but then I saw your other blog listed below too. Nice to meet you.

    I appreciate thinking of our God as a strong rock I can run too.

    Have a great Tuesday.

    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, that's funny Jennifer. So glad you found me on both sites. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate it. I'll be checking your blog put soon.

      Delete
  9. Wow, I am so glad I stopped over from Heart Reflected. Salina, as usual, you say it so clearly and with such love. He is my rock.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lori. I appreciate your words and the time you took to read. Bless you.

      Delete
  10. Excellent, Salina. This old mountain writer is so proud of you! Your geniune love of the Father and inestimable life lessons shine. Keep writing!

    Vivian Combs Watts

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks Vivian. That means the world to me. I'm so glad you took the time to stop by to read and comment.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...