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