Scripture: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” – (18:2)
Observation: David was known as a warrior king. He fought and won battle after battle because the Lord was on his side. David trusted God and acknowledged Him as the One who delivers.
Application: In Australia, Ayers Rock is a massive sandstone monolith and is the largest single rock in the world. In the United States, El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park, is the largest monolith. This granite rock stands more than 3,000 ft. high. California also is home to Giant Rock, which covers almost 6000 square feet of ground and stands approximately seven stories high! These are three impressive rocks, and it cannot be argued that it would be impossible for anyone to move them! No wonder David often refers to God as his ROCK.
David mentions three times in this psalm alone that God is his rock. Like those huge rocks, God is immovable. He never changes; His Word never changes. He is steadfast, dependable, eternally the same. What God says He will do, He does. What God says will happen, does come to pass. Truly, our God is a rock!
However, there is one thing that will definitely move God, and that is our prayers. When we pray, our words touch the heart of God and He responds. Here are four biblical examples of those whose prayers moved the Lord to act.
- Hannah prayed for a child after being barren for years.
- “Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.”- 1 Samuel 1:20
- King Hezekiah prayed for healing after being told he would die.
- “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” – Isaiah 38:5
- Jabez prayed for God to be with him and keep him from evil.
- “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” – 1 Chronicles 4:10
- The early church prayed for Peter when he was imprisoned.
- “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” – Acts 12:7
Never doubt that God does not hear the prayers of His children. He desires our prayers greatly, and even tells us in I Thessalonians 5:17 that we should “Pray without ceasing.” Our God is a ROCK, but praise His name that He can be moved with simply a heartfelt prayer!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You truly are the ROCK of my salvation, and I praise Your holy name! You alone are worthy of glory, honor, and worship! Thank You for wanting a personal relationship with me, and providing that through Your precious Son, Jesus. It is such a comfort to know I can come boldly to Your throne and share anything and everything that is on my heart, and You listen. What a blessing to be Your child! I love You! In Jesus’ precious and most holy name, I pray. Amen.
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-- take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
(from “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Medlicott Scriven)
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“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.” – Psalm 18:46
Praise Almighty God for His Word that assures us of His love and care and answers to prayer! Thank you for sharing these truths!
Thank you for your kind words. They are so encouraging to me. It’s so wonderful to be part of the family of God, and I am so grateful for His Word! What blessings He bestows on His children!