The Lord Is My Rock
Introduction
At the beginning of every year, many people make New Year’s resolutions. Yet, as the months pass, some forget the commitments they made. Likewise, many Christians enter the new year with a season of prayer and fasting. The duration of the fast may vary from person to person and from church to church, but the desire is often the same: to draw closer to God and seek His direction for the year ahead.
Before I go any further, let me ask you a question:
What is your New Year’s resolution? What action plan have you put in place to achieve it?
As I sought the Lord concerning the year ahead, He gave me a simple but powerful word:
“The Lord is my Rock.”
I immediately wrote it down so I would not forget it. Often God gives us a word, but we fail to meditate on it deeply and discover its full meaning. I was excited when I received this word because it reminded me of the truth expressed in the hymn:
“On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”
The Bible uses the word rock approximately 142 times, often to describe God’s strength, protection, provision, and faithfulness.
In Numbers 20:10-11, Moses struck the rock and water flowed out, demonstrating God’s provision for His people.
The Apostle Paul also speaks of Christ as the “Rock of Offence”:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 9:33)
Paul was quoting Isaiah 28:16:
“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”
Likewise, the Psalmist declares:
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” (Psalm 118:22)
These passages reveal Christ as our sure foundation, our cornerstone, and our Rock.
Staying Focused on God’s Word
Over the years, I have discovered that when God gives a word, circumstances often arise that test that very word. There have been seasons when the Lord spoke prophetically into my life, and I later encountered situations that mirrored His message exactly.
There are also times when I feel led to read a particular Scripture, and I sense that challenges may lie ahead. Yet I have learned that God’s Word is not given merely to predict difficulty; it is given to provide strength, direction, and encouragement through it.
What is God saying to you today?
I encourage you to hold firmly to His Word. Let it become your anchor and pillar of strength. Circumstances may not immediately reflect what God has spoken, but remember that God’s timing is not our timing. He is faithful to fulfil every promise He has made.
Before the Building Comes the Breaking
During our Watch Night Service, my pastor reminded us that before something can be built, something often needs to be removed.
The prophet Isaiah declared:
“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.” (Isaiah 40:4)
Construction engineers understand this principle well. Before a highway can be built, the land must first be prepared. Valleys are filled, hills are levelled, and obstacles are removed.
The same principle applies spiritually.
Before God builds something new in our lives, there is often a season of pruning, reshaping, and preparation. There must be a deconstruction before reconstruction.
This year will be a year of blessing, but before some blessings manifest, there may be challenges. Do not be discouraged.
I am excited because:
The Lord is my Rock.
He is strong, reliable, unchanging, and faithful.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You because You are our Rock, our Fortress, and our Deliverer. Throughout every season of life, You remain faithful, steadfast, and unchanging. When circumstances are uncertain, You are our sure foundation. When challenges arise, You are our strength and place of refuge.
Lord, help us to trust in Your Word and stand firmly upon Your promises. Teach us to keep our eyes fixed on You, even when the path before us seems difficult. Give us grace to remain steadfast, knowing that Your plans for us are good and that Your timing is perfect.
Father, where there is brokenness, bring healing. Where there is fear, bring peace. Where there is weakness, release Your strength. Where there is confusion, grant wisdom and direction. Remove every obstacle that stands in the way of Your purpose for our lives, and help us to surrender completely to Your will.
We declare that we are planted by the rivers of living water. We shall not be moved. We shall grow, flourish, and bear fruit in every season. We decree that no scheme of the enemy shall prevail against us, for the Lord is our Rock and our Salvation.
Build us up, Lord, and establish us in righteousness. Let us be living testimonies of Your goodness, grace, and power. May our lives reflect Your glory and draw others into Your Kingdom.
As we go forward, may we walk in faith, stand in courage, and rest in the assurance that You are with us. We declare that we are planted, growing, fortified, and established in Christ Jesus.
For Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 18:2)