I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand (Exodus 33:22)

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labour of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

This hymn was written by Augustus Toplady on one stormy day somewhere in 1775. The young preacher was taking a walk through the English countryside when a sudden storm swept across the landscape. Augustus spotted a wide rock formation with an opening—a cleft—where he sought refuge until the storm passed. As he sat there through the deluge, he contemplated the connection between his shelter and God’s help in life’s storms.

Beautiful words began to rush through his mind, he hadn't any paper to write on except a playing-card which he spotted on the floor of the cave-like structure. There he penned this lovely hymn “Rock of Ages,” which has been a source of strength for Christians throughout the world.

Life is full of hardships and obstacles. But when we learn to trust in the Lord, and set our minds on him alone we will gain peace that is beyond comprehension. In moments of distress we need to run directly to the Lord and hide ourselves in him. The Lord is our strength, our Rock of Ages (Isaiah 26:4), our fortress and deliverer, our shield and the horn of our salvation. He is our stronghold, who is worthy of praise (Psalm 18:1-3). He will shelter us from life’s assaults just as Scripture says, "I will put you in a cleft in the rock" (Exodus 33:22). So, don’t go through life’s storms all alone, pray and ask the Rock of Ages to shield you from all turbulence that comes your way. For when the world around you is crumbling, the Rock of Ages, will cleft you in himself and hide you from the storm.