Built on the ROCK

 I've been keeping an eye on this rock whenever I walk past this scene near our house here in Malawi.  One can't help but marvel at it's size or that it was here all along unknown until unearthed.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.  Psalm 62: 1-2

Still, I find myself shaken often enough.  There seems to be a myriad of reasons to feel concern...worry....disappointment and confusion.  If it isn't myself then someone I know has been shaken by some upset nearly all the time.  And the world goes on.  Day after day.  It gets overwhelming .  So when I see this rock I think of this bible verse from Psalm 62  -- " My soul finds rest in God alone..........He alone is my ROCK" I'd like to just sit down upon this rock and pray.  I'm thankful it's there.  "I will never be shaken". 

All around the rock I am aware of extreme poverty here in Malawi.  Someone is digging out that rock ever so slowly and chipping away the stones as a means to his living.  Still, children wearing tattered clothes are walking along behind me - giggling.  An elderly man on a long journey home greets me " Good evening, Ma'am". The women selling "Thobwa" ( a fermented maize drink) smile at me. I pray for the Kingdom Work here in Malawi and praise God that I am privileged to be here for now. Humbled that I have as much to learn about Him in this place as I have come to share. Looking out from beyond the rock - there was the sun shining out of the darkened sky. His Grace blanketing us in a sin darkened world.  My heart rejoices!

  "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation....Psalm 95:1 

Be still, my soul

Without the opportunity of Lenten services I seek to find a way to ponder and reflect during this somber time of the church year.  The extent of my own sins at the forefront I hit the rain dampened roads to walk and pray.  Concentrating today on the words of this hymn.  ( In part thanks to Koine' for their beautiful recording of it and to my husband who bought me an ipod !)

"Be still, my soul; The Lord is on your side;  Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide; In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heavenly friend.  Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end."

The imagery provided here in Malawi becomes an unexpected blessing.  In particular this worn down section littered with trash along my way strikes me as I ponder my own path in life.

 

 

 So often the way is not smooth or clear and I slip and this unsteadiness causes me to fall.  The litter seems so disgusting but reminds me of this sin sick world.  And my own sins.  Why can't we clean it up?  Lord - help us all along the way.

"Be still, my soul; your God will undertake.  To guide the future as he has the past. 
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know.  His voice who ruled them while he lived below."

Just ahead of this difficult road I see the foundation of a home - not yet completed.  I think, " Lord, you aren't finished with us yet....You aren't finished with me yet."  And further in the distance a glorious mountain view - oh how I would love the energy to run and run until I reach the top with its fresh air and feel of Victory!

 

 I pick up the pace and trust in HIM.  Nothing is impossible with God and nothing can take me away from Christ Jesus my Saviour from sin. There are reminders all around us.  My feet are steady now and I continue down the path.