Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages,

Constant You remain;

Yesterday, today and forever the same! (chorus)

Saints and angels Your praises sing;

Through countless eons their voices ring!

Your steadfastness not eroded by time,

Creator of the worlds sublime!

You are the Rock which is higher than me,

I will forever run to thee!

In Your secret pavilion I will be,

Forever sheltered by Your mercy…

You are my strength when all falls apart;

Though the earth crumble, constant thou art!

Show me Your way, help me decide

When I am faced with the crossroads of life…

When no knight in shining armour

Rides to my rescue;

I am content because I have You!

Rock of Ages, bulwark of time;

You are strong forever, forever  mine!

I will trust in Your everlasting love

As revealed in  the Son who came from above…

This poem/song was inspired by: Ex 33:22,  Num 24:21,  Deut 32:4,  1 Sam 2:2,  2  Sam 22:2-3, 32,47,  Ps 18:2, 46, Ps 27:5, Ps 31:2-3, Ps 28:1,  Ps 40:2,  Ps 61:2, Ps 62:2, 6-7, Ps 71:3,  Ps 78:35, Ps 89:26, Ps 92:15,  Ps 94:22, Ps 95:1,  Is 8:14, Is 32:2, Matt 7:24-25, Matt 16:18, Rom 9:33, 1 Cor 10:4,  Rev 19:11-16

Surviving in an Era of Exponential Change

I recently read an article about “information overload” and was shocked to find that it described the classic symptoms that I often experience, thinking that I am the only one in this predicament.

Truth be told, we are living in an era of unprecedented change. Technology is changing so rapidly that even the tech-savvy youth of today are starting to battle to cope with the overwhelming rate of change. Have you experienced one of those days where you feel like information is being thrown at you from every conceivable angle until you’re totally overwhelmed with the sheer volume of things you have to remember, learn and practice? Whether it’s in the professional world or the classroom, we find the exponential rate of change disrupting the circadian rhythm of our linear lifestyles.

Many people often find themselves the hapless victims of the “overdose of change” they’re experiencing. It sometimes feels like it’s just too much to have to cope with in too short a space of time. The average person experiences far greater stress in this generation than was ever experienced before.  Besides having to cope with the stresses of keeping up with changes in one’s profession, people must contend with ever-changing legislation, together with the stress of maintaining a balanced family life, as well as finding time for extracurricular activities. There is often not much time left for relaxation or contemplation as everyone engages in the daily rat-race. In fact, it is not uncommon to find yourself so busy just working that you’re not able to even take time to gauge your productivity level or recall what exactly you’ve accomplished on any given day!

In the midst of the turmoil and stress of life, it’s most often our time with God that suffers the most. Most people just manage to get by on a few minutes of prayer whispered hurriedly before dashing off to work, or the odd and often incomplete, unintelligible prayer which precedes sleep. We are fighting a losing battle against constant change and we are paying the price in poor health, depression, increased instances of suicide, alcoholism, sleep deprivation and other unwholesome practices. When we need Him most, we seem to deny God.

We can learn an important lesson from the life of Christ as written in the gospels. He arose early and spent time in prayer, daily restoring the vital connection with His Father.  He understood that to neglect this duty would be akin to committing spiritual suicide. Remember, what happens to you spiritually soon dictates your physical state too. We are not coping.

In the midst of change that constantly pulls the foundation out from under us, we need God as our sure foundation and immovable Rock. He is the ONE constant in our lives! Jesus Christ is our anchor in the midst of turmoil and overwhelming change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever!

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased."- Dan 12:4 

"And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no  end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His Commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Eccles 12:12-13 

Scripture refs: Heb 13:8, Mal 3:6, Dan 12:4, Prov 3:5-6, Eccles 12:12-13