The Rock That Is Higher

‘* Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Psa lxi. 2. THERE is no more tragic condition in life than for the soul to have nothing near it bigger than itself. Spiritual death makes an easy victim of the soul that has nothing

126 The Rock that 1s Higher

to look up to, nothing beyond. The essential secrets of spiritual life and progress are to be found in reverence, and wonder, and admiration, and hope; and when all these have fallen asleep the soul has been surely touched with the finger of death. Our life shrinks into littleness when we see no rock that is higher than ourselves. But when we can lift up our eyes unto the hills, the power of the heights will come upon us, and we shall sing as we feel their inspiring ministry: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bring us good tidings!”’

We need “‘ the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” After the fierce heat and dust of the open road, how restful is it to pass into the deep, cool shade of a friendly rock! I have seen the flock leave the exposed pastures in the glowing heat of the noon, and seek the refreshing shelter of a hospitable rock. And we, too, can rest in the shadow of the Almighty in the oppressive rays of the noon. Just when I am inclined to be faint, because of the heat and burden of the day, there is a Rock that is higher than I, and in that cooling Presence He restoreth my soul.

And we need ‘“‘ the Rock that is higher” in order that we may have lofty and comprehensive vision. I am so apt to get lost in details, and I lose the sense of the whole. I become absorbed in the fortunes of the immediate battle, and I lose the sense of the campaign. Or I become a victim of the letter and I lose the large freedom of the spirit. I need to look upon things from a higher point of view. I must see them from above. I want a Rock that is higher than I, and that Rock is Christ! From the Rock we look not only upon our own things, but also upon the things of others; and not only at the things that are seen, but at the things which are not seen.

And I need a Rock in which I can find a lofty refuge when I am pursued by my own sin. It must not only be a shadow from the heat, but a shelter from the tempest. It must hide me till the storm of life is past. And that Rock is Christ.

128 Confidence Born of Divine Communion