Who is Your Rock? | Barbara Hemphill

Recently, I was shocked to learn that a spiritual teacher I trusted for decades was not the man I thought he was. Unfortunately, it isn't the first time that has happened.

It was a stark reminder there is only one person I can trust to always tell the truth. Does that mean I should ignore everything he said?

Christian educator, Arthur Holmes, put it this way: "All truth is God's truth." He was referring to the fact that often people who don't stand up to all the Christian faith tenants speak truth from which we can learn, which I certainly did in this case. 

When I traveled to Israel a few years ago, one of our leaders was singer Michael W. Smith. As we sat outside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, he sang the song "Ancient Words Ever True" written by Lynn Deshaza. Here's a link to a free download of the song accompanied by beautiful graphics: https://youtu.be/ouTgX9hcwk4

Early in my childhood, I learned the hymn On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand written by Edward Mote, which seems appropriate as we hear news stories every day that rock our world. Here are the words: 

  My hope is built on nothing less

  Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

  I dare not trust the sweetest frame

  But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

  When He shall come with trumpet sound

  O may I then in Him be found.

  Dressed in His righteousness alone,

  Faultless to stand before the throne,

  On Christ, the solid rock, I stand.

  All other ground is sinking sand.

I am writing this as we approach the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. While I'm not always confident about America's future, I am confident in God's plan, and I am thankful that I can turn to Jesus whenever I feel afraid. 

Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash