THE PORTRAIT OF GOD IN HIS PROMISES

I recall as my husband and I would hike up rocky terrain several times through-out the years (all across our country and world); how we marveled in the majestic feel and power of the topography it all encompassed. Even a year ago, we climb high rocks on the Congo River in the DRC, that was a bit different. When we finally mounted the top of one of the largest  rocks, a feeling of respect arose as the torrential river was swarming all around. 

Psalms 18:2 is a portrait of our God, as we stay within His Presence, and grasp onto His Word; which is life. There are eight promises all condensed into this verse. 

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me;
My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold." Psalms 18:2

Today, the Lord led me to this promise as my husband is traveling in Africa and was met with some difficult and dangerous obstacles. Halleluiah, God moved too!

God, being our Rock is something we can hold-onto and know He is a firm and stable foundation. When we think of a large rock, we see stability and strength. 

Another factor about God as our Rock, is how He gives sustenance. Exodus 17:6 "I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; there you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may [have something to] drink.” 

He refreshes us, even as a Rock of strength and support! Our God / Our Rock never changes and is always dependable!

The geographical setting of the land of Israel is known for its high cliffs where the Israelites would often hide from their enemies. They would also use some of their rocky lands to build fortress cities. Look at David himself; who as we read, as he hid in the cave (in the rock). He bellowed out in song; "Truly, God is my rock and my salvation, He is my fortress and I will not be shaken, my Rock and and my refuge." Psalms 121:1-3

We must find our soul rest in the Rock! Isaiah 28:16 "I lay in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a SURE FOUNDATION and I rely on this- I shall not be stricken into  panic!" LET US BE NOT STRICKEN INTO PANIC! 

Many times I have failed not leaning-on and trusting-in God as my true foundation. His mercy brought me through and His love taught me over and over again; that indeed what He promises He shall do. THIS IS WHO HE IS - THE UNMOVABLE ROCK!

Personally, we have faced diagnoses of cancer, diseases and episodes that usually kill people, this is when - I WENT TO AND CLUNG ON TO MY ROCK! Indeed, I was not shaken!

Last year, we even faced a car chase in Africa, as men wanted our taxi driver to pull over pointing to us and trying to grab our car door. We SCREAMED OUT - No, in Jesus Name! It took a long five minutes, but God! He was our FORTRESS! 

To be inside a fortress is to not be susceptible to outside influences and forces. I love this quote; "God cannot be influenced and shaken!"

If God cannot be shaken, then how about His kids (us) why would we need to be either?

THE LORD IS MY DELIVERER 

This directly means we are removed from the situation or circumstance. Also, like it was with Daniel in the Lions Den, God shut their mouths. Reflect on situations in your life how God was your deliverer. Only God could do it and He accomplished it well. 

And...GOD IS MY REFUGE! In several translations it reads 'He is my shelter!' He shelters us from the storm, he gives shade in the oppressive heat. How can we have this shelter?

It's simple isn't it? When we are close to a large object in the day, that object casts a shadow. God, being our refuge is that covering!

David knew in order for this be accomplished he had to DWELL in the presence of his God. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]." Psalms 91:1

Stay close to God! Dwell in the rock! The French would  habite; is where one resides.   

Where do we reside? People can tell where we live and who we talk (a lot) to, it is revealed in our character and life.  We live in the presence of our God!

The days are becoming more and more torrential like a storm. Just remember the eight promise of God in Psalms 18:2, well as the hundreds and hundreds of promises carefully placed through out all of God's Word!    

I challenge the reader right now to STOP and pray this scripture over yourself, family and loved ones. Then continue to pray this for our brothers and sisters in Christ across the world. And continue to pray for the salvation of all to come to the Rock and dwell in Him. 

~Daneille