The Rock Holds onto Me: A Poem About Clinging to Truth Amidst Trial
Have you ever felt battered under wave after wave of hardship? Sometimes struggles in our lives can feel never-ending. In these moments, we may wonder, “where is God?” or “why is God allowing this?” In the moments where God feels far away, we can recall truth that we find in Scripture, that God is unchanging: that He is sovereign, that He is merciful, and that He is loving. Turning our hearts toward God in hardships allows us to lean upon His strength instead of our own. This poem is about turning to God’s character to find strength to persevere.
The Rock Holds Onto Me
Inspired by Psalm 143
“I might just lose my grip this time.”
I said, upon my cliff-side climb
Craggy rocks and crashing waves
Beat and pound and bruise.
Safety elusive
Panicked thoughts intrusive.
Darkened sky, booming lies
The breakers bellow over
And over.
And over.
My strength is waning.
My body complaining
I must admit,
I am tired.
Does my God hear me
Over the sounds
Of roaring waters?
Is my voice drowned
By the chaos?
Rubble begins to roll
Fingers slip, toes lose grip
Bones are aching,
Will is breaking.
I cannot hold on much longer, God.
Waves keep crashing
Blow after blow.
Rhythmically, relentlessly.
Forcefully, ferociously.
Is this my end?
I need you God.
I need you now.
Rescue me. Release me.
Return me to dry ground.
I am weak.
I call to memory a truth
Bigger than the danger I face
Mightier than the waves below
Truth that beats louder, pounds harder
And crashes against Creation
in unending love.
God, You are holy.
Hallowed, pristine and pure.
Compared to Your glory
My best needs are dross—worthless
Yet You call me Your child.
My grip tightens.
God, you are good.
You’ve carried me this far,
In grace and gentle compassion,
I am who I am
because You are.
My feet are steadied.
God, You are merciful.
Though I squandered my inheritance
And ran far from home
You welcomed me
With open arms.
Slowly I climb.
God, You are near.
Closer than the breath
In these tired lungs.
You do not leave
Nor forsake Your own.
Higher and higher.
God, You are sovereign.
Creation is but clay in Your hands.
No tide can turn without Your approval
No boulder will budge
without Your blessing.
Progress.
Safety nearing.
Doubts are clearing.
I remember. Yes, I remember.
Your grace steadies my mind
Your faithfulness calms my heart
Your love propels me onward.
Though the winds howl
And the rocks tumble
And the waves break
The winds are but whispers to You.
The rocks are but pebbles in Your hand.
The waves are but ripples in Your eyes.
My strength is not in willpower
In muscle or in grit
My strength is found in You alone
My Sustainer, my Deliverer, my Friend.
After all, it is not I who
Holds onto the rock
But the Rock who
Holds onto me.
Additional resources on God’s faithfulness in suffering
