It’s a little after 4:30 a.m. and I have been awake for way too long, already. Trouble sleeping. Because of all that’s going on? Or, because of that burger I shouldn’t have eaten? Not sure. But for the past hour or so I have been reading a number of articles on COVID-19 and counsel on avoiding panic while being prudent in light of our governor’s direction to curtail the assembling of ourselves together.

Easy to read “a number of articles” because, on the Internet, every article is linked to another. The net has built itself on rabbit trails. Everyone with a computer, regardless of where they reside geographically, can post and share their insights and experience, and then, provide a link to their source or someone else with good stuff to share. Wisdom required to sort through the ton of world-wide information at hand and apply it to the local situation at hand. Too easy to spend too much time clicking on too many urls. Every click leading down a different path. Maybe that’s why the songwriter’s plea resonates so deeply this morning.

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
for You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

(Psalm 61:1-3 ESV)

That’s where I need to end up this morning, the Rock that is higher than I.

I can follow all the hyperlinks I want but, at some point, I need to click and reconnect with things above. With the One above. With the Rock that is higher than I. The One who is a firm foundation, a resolute refuge, and a strong tower.

To be sure, I need to be informed and wise. Much to consider in how to submit to those in authority, honor the weak among us, and love the community about us. Principles to be applied. Decisions to be made.

But when all is said and done, “Lord, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”

To the King who is seated upon His throne, sovereign over all the earth. To the great High Priest in heaven, even now interceding for His people. To the risen Conqueror over sin and death, remembering that if God is for us, who can be against us.

I need to be diligent and prudent. I can also be assured and at peace.

COVID-19 is rocking the world: the world at large; my world and its microcosm. But greater is the Rock in me than the rocks of the world (1Jn. 4:4).

A Rock higher than I. A refuge in the storm. A strong tower against the enemy of sin, sickness, and death. Thus, I will fear no evil, for He is with me; His rod and His staff, they comfort me (Ps. 23:4).

Been led to a lot of web pages this morning. Now it’s time to be led to the Rock.

To refocus on the Rock. To rejoice in the Rock. To rest in the Rock.

By His grace. For His glory.