pathway

pathway
Give me my scallop-shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My script of joy, immortal diet,
M
y bottle of salvation.
My gown of glory, hopes true gauge,
And thus I'll take my pilgrimage.

~Sir Walter Raleigh

A hiker, walking for pleasure, likes to choose between several alluring trails.
The pilgrim desires only the road that leads home.

~Frank W. Boreham


Thursday, January 7, 2010

Days of Overwhelm

We are midst a world of hurt these days. The world at large is hurting, of course. That goes without saying. But stormy seas with increasingly high waves bounce my little scallop-shell about. Some griefs are attached to ministry connections, but others are very personally, painfully connected.

The thoughts turn to all the scriptural "Rock" and "hiding place" verses. Yet the one specifically that keeps breaking in is Psalm 61.2

"...when my heart is overwhelmed and fainting,
lead me to the Rock that is higher than I...."
Why "lead me" when other scriptures speak of running? Checking the trusty Hebrew dictionary clears it up with the definition of the word 'lead' but also the overwhelmed part. It is all about the Father "kindly, gently leading" because the rock cannot be climbed without His help!
So that's where this pilgrim is today, willing to be led because the rocks in the way are daunting and to climb The Rock for refuge requires assistance of Someone of far greater strength.
Today I am exceedingly grateful for my personal Guide.

5 comments:

  1. I lift your arms this morning - this day and others to come - not knowing what storms are crashing around you.
    But I see a picture - one of your daddy standing by the sea - a rock in the distance ( the one Cannon Beach?)
    Why do I remember that? It fits somehow.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A perfect reminder, a perfect 'fit'. Thanks, Friend. The photo is of dad's dad who knew storms in his life. Yes, Cannon Beach. All good.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My Rock! And by the way, the rock at Cannon Beach?...mine! Would have loved to have been in CB this week with my rock and with My Rock.

    ReplyDelete