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I’ve had the privilege of going on one cruise in my life. My Mom took her family on an Alaskan cruise back in 2010. It was amazing to see the Alaskan coastline, a glacier and the mountains. Yet I was most fascinated with the ocean. There were spots on the ship where you could sit at or just below sea level. I sometimes just watched the water churn by as the ship ploughed through.

One day, the ocean was quite rough. You could feel it on the ship. It got to the point that we could not walk down a hallway without holding onto the handrails. Some of us went back to their cabins to lie down because they started to feel sea sick. The captain eventually slowed the ship down because of the rough waters. We were a little late to get into our port for the day.

I remember the relief I felt when I got off the ship and onto solid ground. There was no more swaying, rocking or unexpected tilts in the floor. We just walked with the certainty that comes from solid ground.

Scripture portrays God as a Rock many times. Deuteronomy 32:4 is one example – “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” Or Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.” Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

Life brings rough waters. Yet if we build our life on God as rock, He is the refuge in the middle of the storm. It is like He is the solid rock in the midst of a violent sea storm. The weary sea traveler can find safety and refuge on this rock no matter how hard the winds blow or the waves crash against it. The rock will not fall nor will those who cling to it.

Maybe today looks like smooth sailing for you. If so, thank the Lord for that gift. Maybe today looks like a gathering storm in your life. You can cling to Rock knowing that He withstands everything. Maybe you’re in the midst of the storm. The Lord remains your rock, fortress and deliverer. Keep praying and clinging to Him until He brings you through.

“Thank you Lord for being our steadfast rock. Help those today in the midst of a storm to hold onto you. Thank you for being our rock in storms past and storms to come. Help us to keep building our lives on You.”