Rock, paper, scissors.  David chooses the rock every time.

“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I”
— Psalm 61:2

Our souls resonates with this request.  We have a desperate need for safety and protection.  We believe that high places are safer than the lowlands.  If it is a rocky outcropping we feel the strength of the earth more than merely trees which blow in the wind.

This safe place must be greater than ourselves.  We have a sixth sense that in and of ourselves we are limited, exposed, at the whims of natural forces, unable to have enough strength.

We need stability.  We need it to come our way, be given to us, or somehow be provided for we are unable to come up with it ourselves.  We need to be led to it. We need Someone to lead us to it.

So we resonate with David’s words, “…I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Peter seems to make the longest commentary on this subject in the New Testament when he records in 1 Peter 2:4-9:

As you come to him, the living Stone — rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone,”

and,

“A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. NIV

Paper and scissors just don’t cut it (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself).  We need the rock, the stone, the cornerstone, the capstone.

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious…”
— 1 Peter 2:7

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.      Selah For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. 
— Psalm 61

Howard Morrison is a partner in Arizona’s Morrison Ranch. He resides with his family in Austin, Texas.