Standing on The Rock

Rocks.

That was the theme of our worship service over the weekend, at the congregation I played for anyway.

The theme verse being Isaiah 44:8, "Do not tremble. Do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim it and foretell it long ago?... Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one."

We sang "My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less" and "Rock of Ages" (and other good hymns too).

I once wrote a thematic unit on rocks. There are so many different directions you can take teaching children about rocks that is beyond Science.

But one of the recurring themes was how solid a rock is.

The pastor had the theme, "Build-a-god-Workshop"- many of my American followers are probably familiar with the "Build a Bear Workshop" stores, where you can go in and design a bear or other stuffed animal, color, dress, design, etc.

Sometimes, we look to other rocks in our life, and we try to build what we think a "God" would look like in our lives. We put our time, energy, hope, etc. into all of these "gods" that we want so much to bring us fulfillment, especially in our time of need.

So it got me thinking- lately, and especially when I was sick, what have I "built" up to be rocks where I looked for fulfillment or security?

I've looked to people here on earth. Family, friends, professionals, etc.  While people have been a tremendous help and blessing, they never really satisfied the needs I had.

I've looked to earthly items- books, music, etc., for ways to kill the time and avoid thinking about my problems. They kept me occupied for a minute, and that's about all they really did.

I've looked to sleep for escape. While it made me not conscious of things going on, problems always hurt just as bad when I woke up again.

And, as that awesome hymn today said,

"All other ground is sinking sand..."
(I couldn't find one with lyrics to that tune! This is the tune I know- not familiar with the rest on Youtube)...

All of those "build-a-gods" were sinking sand.

But not the solid rock. Not Jesus. That's the only place where you can be secure and find ultimate fulfillment, hope, and peace.

I don't like sinking. I actually just purchased a children's book by Tomie de Paola called "Sinking Sand"- it's a cool book about a boy who falls in sinking sand, and then a girl who is obviously knowledgable about science helps get him out, and then they explain how you make your own sinking sand.

It's explained clearly in the book how it works, but you need a flow of water coming underneath to make the sand sink.

Isn't that how satan works? He's the water that comes which creates the sinking sand. And it's really easy to get stuck with him, with the things and people of the world who try to bring you down and underneath the mess.

But if you're anchored secure on the rock, you're safe. And that's great.

And I've been on the rock for a while, and it's great. And I want you to join me!

Blessings:
-Received communion at both services this weekend.

-The pastor said to the congregation, "Whoever is lucky enough to have Dylan full time at their congregation will be very, very blessed." I think I lit up with a smile.

-My mom somehow got a goldfinch bird stuck on the grill of her vehicle. Needless to say, it was in good enough shape that I preserved it (for educational purposes).

-I was a good grandson tonight and took my great grandma out for dinner. I had grilled chicken over rice, and 3 glasses of raspberry iced tea.

-I found some good deals on Amazon today.

-My favorite show (right now, even though I don't watch much TV)- The Next Food Network Star- is on tonight and I think it's going to be a really good episode!

-I am coming up with more and more teaching ideas every day. It's great, and it's only a month away before school starts again!