My God Rock

My God Rock

August 5, 2009

Penny McCawley

Most of you know I exercise by riding my bike. Recently, I’ve been riding from my home down to the bike trail off of North Walton Blvd. I access the trail by riding down a rather large hill on NE A Street. So coming home is rather a challenge as I labor up the hill very slowly.

The hill is so steep, that right now, I’m not able to ride it without stopping. The first time I stopped to catch my breath I happened to look to my right and there it was - a large jagged rock jutting upwards out of the ravine. At first glance it looked like someone had carved a capital “I” on it. And from that moment it became my God rock. God is my “I am.” Be still and know that I am God. Be still.

The next time I rode the hill I stopped in the same spot to once again catch my breath. I began using these moments for meditation, reflection on scripture, and prayer. God knows I needed to stop and catch my breath both physically and emotionally. We can all agree our lives are too often frenzied efforts to get it all done (ride up the steep hill without stopping).

I always take this time to quench my thirst by gulping down some H20 from the water bottle I carry with me. My thirst reminded me of the water of Life that is offered through Jesus Christ.

Another time, I noticed the twisted vines and branches above the rock and how twisted and mixed up our lives become when we allow “the sin that so easily entangles” to rule our lives. Or maybe it’s just the busyness we allow to encroach upon our time with Him.

Someday, I hope to ride that hill without stopping. But knowing my God rock is there will make that journey more special and rewarding.

God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer. When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, "Guide me up High Rock Mountain!" Psalm 61:1 The Message