Safe on the Rock

 

ON THE ROCK

Imagine a lighthouse as strong as can be

Standing up straight and tall, far out at sea;

Or closer to shore where sharp rocks may lie,

A danger to shipping that's passing nearby

How we may ask do these buildings so grand

The terrible storms of the ocean withstand?

Let's learn from the lighthouse, visit and see

What it's like there in rough weather to be.

Suppose with the keeper we shall a while stay,

Enjoying the view and the calm of the day.

Until as time passes, dark grows the sky,

A storm of great fury must be drawing nigh!

Apprehensively watching each rising wave,

Lashing our stronghold, we don't feel so brave!

No moon can be seen, nor stars twinkling bright,

By thunder clouds hidden, yet still bums the light,

The lamp on the lighthouse, shining to show

Ships in great danger the way they should go.

We look from the window drenched with spray,

Hear the wind howling and wish for the day;

Trembling with fear lest the great building fail,

Claimed by the sea, should the waters prevail.

Where's the light keeper? we now for him look -

In his armchair, relaxing, with tea and a book!

Does not such a tempest prevent his repose?

The old man sits quietly, because he well knows

The foundation will hold, all weathers withstand,

Thus he isn't distressed, wishing he were on land

He calms us by saying "Do not fear the shock

From this wild ocean, we're safe on the rock!

Here have I laboured since I was a lad,

So many storms witnessed and truly I'm glad

That deep in bedrock the foundations are laid,

There's no cause for alarm, do not be afraid!

The building may tremble in storms at their height,

But secure it is able to withstand their might"

As life's storms rage round us, surely we may

Think of the lighthouse, take courage and say,

"Though trials may buffet, give many a knock,

With my soul it is well, I'm on Jesus the Rock!

My foundation grace laid in the 'Rock of all ages'

This truth we find in the Bible's blessed pages.

It comforts the heart and will cause one to shine

Through all of life's 'weather', stormy or fine.

The Church's foundation indeed shall not fail,

The 'gates of hell' cannot against it prevail.

What tempest can from the Lord Jesus sever?

I'm safe on the solid Rock, now and forever."

Dear reader, I ask "Are you one of Christ's flock?

Is He your safe refuge? Are you on the Rock?"

Shirley Hirst