Rock of Ages

As I write this post, I'm experiencing that heavy sinking weight that feels like it's going to drag my heart right down to my feet. It's that feeling of dread that accompanies every return I make to school after a long break. If you've ever been to school before, you must know what I'm talking about. I think it's an acute case of senioritis. If there wasn't a degree waiting for me in June, I'd never go back to school.

What makes all this "return to school" crap worse is that I just got back from half a week in the mountains with my closest friends. It doesn't get any better than that; it really doesn't. It's a sweet taste of Heaven that I don't want to let go of just to go back to classes and projects and field experiences. I wish all of life was like last week.

But it's not, so my life takes me back to Furman University tomorrow afternoon. (At least my first class is not until 1:40, and my body doesn't have to go through the shock of getting up four hours earlier than it's gotten used to.) Being the well-taught Reformed Baptist I am, I know that there is hope in this circumstance. I just don't see it easily today. I know that there is a Sovereign God who wouldn't have allowed me to be in college if it's not where I need to be right now. I know I can worship in a classroom. I know that there are believers at Furman that I can, and do, enjoy fellowship with. I know, I know, I know. And I pray all this knowledge reaches my heart before 1:40 Wednesday afternoon.

Praise God for a good break. Praise God for fellowship with close friends. Praise God for His provision through another year and into a new semester. And praise God that His grace will be sufficient during Winter term and Spring term until the summer comes along and for all eternity.

"Rock of Ages when the day seems long,
From this labor and this heartache I have come.
The skies will wear out, but You remain the same.
Rock of Ages, I praise Your name.

"Rock of Ages, You have brought me near.
You have poured out Your life-blood, Your love, and Your tears,
To make this stone heart come alive again,
Rock of Ages, forgive my sin.

"Rock of Ages, when in want or rest,
My desperate need for such a Savior I confess.
And pull these idols out from my heart embrace.
Rock of Ages, I need Your grace.

"Rock of Ages, broken, scorned for me.
Who am I that You would die to make me free?
To give me glory, You took the death and the pain.
Rock of Ages, my offering.

"Rock of Ages, 'It is done!' He cried.
The curtain's torn and I see justice satisfied.
Now write Your mercy here on my heart and hands,
Rock of Ages in faith I stand.

"Rock of Ages, my Great Hope secure.
The promise holds just like an anchor to my soul.
Bind Your children with chords of love and grace,
Rock of Ages, we give You praise.

"Rock of Ages, bind Your children until Your Kingdom comes.
Rock of Ages, Your will be done."
--Sandra McCracken