Scripture
from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
— Psalm 61:2 (ESV)
Devotional
Most of us know what it is to be overwhelmed in heart; emptied as when a man wipeth a dish and turneth it upside down; submerged and thrown on our beam ends like a vessel mastered by the storm. Discoveries of inward corruption will do this, if the Lord permits the great deep of our depravity to become troubled and cast up mire and dirt. Disappointments and heart-breaks will do this when billow after billow rolls over us, and we are like a broken shell hurled to and fro by the surf. Blessed be God, at such seasons we are not without an all-sufficient solace, our God is the harbour of weather-beaten sails, the hospice of forlorn pilgrims. Higher than we are is he, his mercy higher than our sins, his love higher than our thoughts. It is pitiful to see men putting their trust in something lower than themselves; but our confidence is fixed upon an exceeding high and glorious Lord. A Rock he is since he changes not, and a high Rock, because the tempests which overwhelm us roll far beneath at his feet; he is not disturbed by them, but rules them at his will. If we get under the shelter of this lofty Rock we may defy the hurricane; all is calm under the lee of that towering cliff. Alas! such is the confusion in which the troubled mind is often cast, that we need piloting to this divine shelter. Hence the prayer of the text. O Lord, our God, by thy Holy Spirit, teach us the way of faith, lead us into thy rest. The wind blows us out to sea, the helm answers not to our puny hand; thou, thou alone canst steer us over the bar between yon sunken rocks, safe into the fair haven. How dependent we are upon thee–we need thee to bring us to thee. To be wisely directed and steered into safety and peace is thy gift, and thine alone. This night be pleased to deal well with thy servants.
Reflection
Overwhelmed hearts know the emptied-dish feeling—submerged, beam-ends to the storm. Inward corruption, disappointment, and billow after billow will do that. The prayer is not “Make me the rock.” It is “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Christ is that Rock: higher than your guilt, your fear, and your strength. The gospel does not deny the overwhelm. It refuses to leave you there without a higher place to stand.
Goad
What are you still trying to outswim tonight, instead of asking to be led to the Rock higher than you?
Tie-In
Morning’s gladness was rooted in the King. Evening’s overwhelm runs to the same Lord as Rock. Rejoice when you can. Cry when you must. Both end in Him.
Closing
Spurgeon’s classic text with a brief reflection to help today’s reader.
If these words have stirred something, sit with it.
NewGrapes Ministries. Making disciples, not pew-fillers. Soli Deo Gloria.