"Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee. . ."

And so begins a hymn written by Augustus Montague Toplady in the latter half of the eighteenth century.   

The legend surrounding this hymn involves a thunderstorm and a limestone formation named Burrington Combe located near the village of Burrington in North Somerset England.  This towering limestone formation has openings at its base which allow entrance into several caves.

It is said that Augustus was traveling near Burrington Combe when a fierce thunderstorm arose.  Familiar with the area, Augustus fled to a cave and remained there until the storm had passed.  This incident presumably became the inspiration for his hymn.

Though it is arguable that this legend occurred as stated above, it is quite possible that Burrington Combe was in Augustus' mind when he penned the words "Rock of ages cleft for me".  Whatever the circumstances of its origin, there is no doubt the hymn is one of the most beloved of all time. 

So what is the source of its popularity?

The words bring forth an image of an utterly helpless person at the mercy of the Lord.  Possibly some tragedy or life threatening event had brought him to a lowly state. 

Tragedies were common in Augustus' time.  One-third to one-half of all children died before the age of sixteen.  For many families, the Reaper was ever crouching at their door.

Sorrow of this magnitude tends to purge pride and arrogance from one's mindset.  Understandably in the 1700's, a humble nature was considered a virtue.  Conversely, in our day, it is not modesty but self sufficiency which is highly esteemed.  As such, many of us aspire for financial independence and the power of choice that it brings.

But is this independence just an illusion?  Take a stroll through a graveyard and you will not hear boastful chatter but only deep silence.  History also speaks of our fragility through the millions of lives lost in the first and second world wars in addition to deadly earthquakes, volcanoes and tidal waves.

Yet some assert that hardships such as these will not befall Christians living in this country.  Don't worry, they say.  God wants us all to be happy.  So let's revel in our prosperous lifestyles until we are whisked away from danger. 

But are we immune to adversity unlike the Europeans, Asians, and Africans?   Maybe a better question is: Are we dearer to God than those early saints who were burned, crucified and stoned to death?

One day we may face our storm with its fearsome lightening and thunder.  Then we will need a safe place, a cleft in the rock.

Let us seek it while it is yet day.

<>God's will is one day at a time<>