EVERYTHING WE NEED: The Solid Rock

      “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name; On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand” (Edward Mote).

      The words of that hymn were written over 150 years ago. At an early age, Edward Mote said he did not even know there was a God. His parents, who owned a pub, would not allow a Bible in their business. However, at 18, he heard the gospel, and his life was changed forever. After baptism, Mote became a successful cabinetmaker. One day, on his way to work, he wrote that song. By the end of the day, he had written four verses. At age 55, he became the pastor of a small Baptist church, where he served for 21 years. He died at age 77, confident that what he believed so staunchly would “do him well” as he entered Heaven.

      Someone described the phrase “solid rock” as a metaphor for the unwavering strength and reliability of Jesus Christ. “He will be the surefoundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure” (Isaiah 33:6 NIV1984).

      We need such a foundation as we journey through life. On all sides, we face stressful and seemingly impossible situations related to finances, health, family, jobs, or world issues like war and famine. We need a solid refuge where we can feel protected. That place is Christ, our solid rock.

      King David felt the pressures of his position with enemies on every side. Overwhelmed, he cried out to God. God heard him, and David confidently said, “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” (Psalm 40:2). These comforting words reassure us that we have a trustworthy and unfailing God who will rescue us from our deepest woes.

      Rocks symbolize strength and stability. They weather storms, are immovable and unchangeable, and provide protection and security. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2).

      When we are afraid and anxious, we often look to friends, family or some earthly object to help us. But they can only do so much. We are not like rocks. We change with the tide, are unreliable and cannot help ourselves, much less anyone else. What do we do? “So, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed’” (Isaiah 28:16). Christ is our solid Rock on which to stand!

      Our existence is supported by our faith. Therefore, we must build on a solid foundation. Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matt. 7:24-27).

      Is your foundation built on Christ, the solid Rock?