Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished. And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire- and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” Revelation 15:1-4 (ESV)
The songwriter wrote, “Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my life’s in vain.” It is easy to identify with this songwriter. Dreams dissolve over time. Everything to live for takes a hike and our best intentions are lost in a sea of obligation and responsibility. Everything we want to do gets ignored and everything we don’t want to do demands our attention and action. With the great Apostle we cry, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Rom. 7:25a)”
There’s more to the song: “But then I think of Jesus and what he’s done for me. Then I cry O Rock of Ages, hide thou me.” We have the hope that our story doesn’t end here. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NAS) Remember Jesus and his sacrifice. Remember our refuge in the Rock of Ages. Refuse to allow present emotions and thoughts to move us away from our faith and hope. Remember our rescue from despair: “Thanks be to God– through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:25b)”
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. And one day, our faith will be finished as we stand beside the sea of glass, harps in hand, singing “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!”
Dear Father, thank you for your amazing work in us. O Lord, deliver us from despondency, despair and depression. Empower our faith and remind us of our hope in Christ. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the Rock of Ages,