STOP
Rocks. They can be thrown, they can be moved, they can be collected, they can be observed and admired, but most importantly, they can provide protection and shelter. It’s in this way that David addresses the Lord as his Rock. He says that the Lord is his fortress and deliverer, where he takes refuge, his shield and stronghold. When you are firm on a rock, hidden away near a stable rock, one can find rest. As you begin your quiet time, start it on solid ground.
Lastly, imagine all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists all as rocks. Some of them as little pebbles, that can be discarded, thrown away, forgotten. Some of the rocks, though, able to be thrown far from you. All of them can be set to the ground as we take refuge in God, the Rock, the refuge, shield, deliverer and stronghold.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in…and out…in…and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in this thought. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “I love you, O Lord” As you exhale, pray, “my strength, my rock”
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.
“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me [...]In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears [....] He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy[...]the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God.”(Psalm 18:1-4; 6,16-17,18b-21 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. David starts this poem out in utter praise; he tells us of the enemy and then how the Lord responded to his need. Why did the Lord come to his rescue? “He rescued me because he delighted in me” (vs:19b). When you are in distress, do you turn to the Lord? What do you turn to? Who do you turn to? Yourself? The Lord not only rescued him because he delighted in him, but “according to [his] righteousness; according to the cleanness of [his] hands he has rewarded [him]” What about your hands? Do you have clean hands in front of the Lord? Righteousness? Do you have a “right relationship” with the Lord? But it is so important to note that he first rescued him because he simply took delight in him. He takes delight in you.
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, ask yourself how you are doing with keeping the ways of the Lord, not turning away.
For further study, you can read 2 Samuel 22 where this psalm is recorded. You can also read 1 Samuel 31 through 2 Samuel 2 to see what has happening that would cause David to be so overjoyed, why he would call the Lord his rock, his deliverer.
