“But I will feed you with the finest of wheat, and with honey from a rock I would satisfy you.” – Psalm 81:16 [NIV]
When I think of a rock I think of a hard object, people often talk about being “between a rock and a hard place.” Rocks can be dangerous, kids throw them at buildings and shatter glass or cars and create dents. Rocks can be dividing – walls made of brick and stone keeping others out. But rocks can also be positive, some people collect rocks, I have fond thoughts of a dear friend, now home with the Rock of Ages, who loved collecting his rocks. Some rocks tell a story of times long past – they are fossils. Some rocks are used to build things. We talk of something being “rock solid” when we mean something is good or strong and of course, as the lovely David Essex sang, we can "Rock On!"
God promises to provide for us not just with a mediocre amount, but with the finest wheat He has. He says He can bring honey from a rock – mirroring the truth of Him bringing water to the parched Israelites from a rock in the desert. We have all tasted honey, it’s sweet and provides healing for the common cold and is included in many throat lozenges. God is saying that from the difficult times in our lives He is making something sweet. When we go through trials it may feel like nothing good will ever come out of it. It may feel like the rock overpowers our lives, but God is using the rocks in our lives to not just produce honey for us, but for many others as well.
When life seems hopeless and desperate cling to Him and His promises.
“In seasons of distress and grief my soul has often found relief. And oft escaped the Tempter’s snare, by Thy return sweet hour of prayer.” (Sweet Hour of Prayer, William Walford, 1845)
If you have a couple of minutes to spare you might enjoy this wonderful rockin’ tune from the Five Blind Boys of Alabama - Honey in the Rock (opens YouTube video).
Dawn Milward
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