Friday, June 28, 2019

r

We were getting ready to go away for a weekend. During the steamy tropical fall months it is a treat for us to visit a cooler climate. I was thinking, “R & R”, yes! Rest and Relaxation was what I had in mind, maybe Renewal, Rejuvenation, and/or Refreshing, as well. With the tote bag packed, I went to my desk to catch up on some last-minute Email. 

The little paperweight caught my eye. A rough ivory-colored rock, only about an inch and a half across; a gift from a friend many years ago. In big red letters, SALLY, and under it: Psalm 62:6-8*. Turning it over, I read, Giant Killer.

King David, the greatest king ever, the only man mentioned in the Bible as "a man after God's own heart", speaks beautifully regarding R & R. God alone was David’s rock, fortress, refuge where no enemy could reach him. He had his Goliath, and we all have giants in our own lives. My paraphrase of those verses in the book of Psalms 62 is, R & R - Rock & Refuge. The Lord is my strong and steady Rock, He is my Refuge, my safe place.

I keep that little painted rock there, on my desk, to remind me I don’t have to fight the giants, those situations that come into my life that loom large that I don’t know how to confront and deal with. Jesus, my Rock and Refuge, will take care of them, and me, too. As it says in 1 Samuel 17:47, 'the battle is the Lord’s'.

R&R, more than just rest and relaxation. Thank you, Lord.
-sally Kennedy

*Psalm 62:2-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my [a]defense;
I shall not be greatly moved.[b]
3 How long will you attack a man?
You shall be slain, all of you,
Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position;
They delight in lies;
They bless with their mouth,
But they curse inwardly. Selah
5 My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my [c]expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be [d]moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah

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