Psalm 31
Just south of the church I pastor sits Roberts Mountain, peaking at 1,896 feet. I see this mountain every day as I travel. The South Umpqua River runs at the base of the mountain creating a beautiful river valley in which to live.
The psalmist prays, “Listen closely to me; rescue me quickly. Be a rock of refuge for me, a mountain fortress to save me.” (Psalm 31:2, HCSB). One thing about the mountain just out my office door: it hasn’t moved in over 28 years. Certainly, there have been changes on the mountain – vegetation has changed, animal life has changed, the face of the mountain has changed (there was an active quarry at the foot of the mountain when I arrived in Winston in 1991). But every morning when I head south on Thompson Street towards the day’s activities there it sits – Roberts Mountain.
The mountain can changes wind patterns, and the mountain provides an interesting echo chamber when fireworks are ignited for community celebrations. As a permanent presence, the mountain reminds me that there are unchangeable truths. These truths aren’t simply things that are true for me, but facts that are true for everyone. First among them: there is a God who is distinct and different from any other object or person that people worship. You may or may not agree. The fact is, God is.
It is also true that God can and does protect. You might think that means those who trust God are free from fear, free from disgrace, free from frustration. The psalmist prays from his or her fear and frustration. God’s presence to protect isn’t a guarantee of a challenge-free life. Rather, His presence and power to protect enable us to find strength and courage in the midst of fear and frustration.
Finally, it is true that, like Roberts Mountain, when I wake tomorrow and the day after and the day after that, God is still present.
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 