Workday Prayers: God Turns the Rock Into Water
Scripture — Psalm 114:7-8
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob,
who turns the rock into a pool of water,
the flint into a spring of water.
Focus
The mighty power of God makes the earth tremble.
Prelude
Psalm 114 celebrates the wonders of God that were in evidence during the exodus from Egypt. Most of all, God made the Red Sea “flee” as the Israelites passed through it on their way to freedom.
Verse 7 speaks to the earth itself, calling upon it to tremble in the presence of God. Verse 8 describes the Lord as one “who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.” This description harkens back to two occasions when God miraculously made freshwater flow from stone (Exodus 17:5-7; Numbers 20:1-11). Notice, however, that God didn’t do these miracles merely to show off divine power or to intimidate the earth. Rather, God acted supernaturally in order to care for the people of Israel in their time of need.
I am reminded of another passage from the Psalms that celebrates the earthshaking power of God and God’s care for us. Psalm 46:6–7 reads: “The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
Pray
God, this day, I celebrate your steadfast love that is new and present every morning. And I especially celebrate the way you use your unique power to serve your people… including me. All praise be to you! Amen.
Gracious God, today I am reminded of your matchless power. Not only did you create all things by your Word, but also you continue to sustain all things by your powerful word. Moreover, according to your wisdom, you sometimes intervene in the natural order, doing things to care for people and display your power.
As I pray today, I remember times when you intervened in my life. You may not have caused water to flow from a rock, but you have filled my stony heart with your living water, softening and transforming me. You have heard my prayers for mercy and been merciful. Yes, at times you have even acted in ways that astound me.
So, this day I celebrate your steadfast love that is new every morning. I also rejoice in the power you have over all things and how you use this power for good. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day
God’s presence and power are with you today.
For Further Reflection
You may wish to read all of Psalm 114.
You might also read Psalm 46.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Best of Daily Reflections: What If Your Soul Is Hard as a Rock?.
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Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...