If you've ever been to a coastline where you can watch big waves tumble over sharp volcanic rock, you know that's a place to be cautious about swimming. You want to make sure that you have some bigger rocks to hide behind. Otherwise, the forces behind those waves are going to be awfully harsh, if not deadly.

Life can be like that. At times, we need something to hide behind. The rough and tumble of daily living can overcome us, and the constant, unrelenting battering of life's powerful "waves" slowly, but surely, threatens to drain the life out of us.

Nothing saddens me more than the realization that most people don't know where to find true safety and rest. So they wander around amongst the sharp rocks and the violent waves and the powerful undertow of life constantly searching, using a trial-and-error method.

In that scenario, every supposed safe harbor just ends up being a short-lived solution to the problem. The fear and exhaustion soon return.

Until we find what David found. There is a true place of safety -- a rock to hide behind. There is a place of peace and restoration.

That place is God.

And how does one find refuge behind him?

1. Know that God really exists as one who wants to be your refuge.
2. Trust that he is strong enough and loving enough to be your Rock to hide behind.
3. You hide behind him when you study the Bible and believe its words and promises.
4. You hide behind him when you are baptized, or when you bring to recollection the benefits of your baptism.
5. You hide behind him when you receive the Lord's Supper.
6. You hide behind him with others when you fellowship with fellow believers in church.
7. You demonstrate that you are hiding behind him when you pray.
8. You demonstrate that you are hiding behind him when you give the same grace to others that you have already received from Jesus.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8, NIV)

Our Bible reading for Sunday, May 17, is Ruth 3:1 - 4:22, John 9:35 - 10:21 and Psalm 62:1-12.

Lord, you are my rock and my refuge. Help me to hide behind you so that I always feel safe, even when life is very rough.

Header image based on "Volcanic rock on the shore line" by raider of gin, CC By 2.0