“Rock Bottom”

The term is always used in a negative sense. The idea that there is no place lower that exists. That from this place one can only rise. In biblical terms, the rock is used more in the context of building. That the rock is firm and unmoving. Suitable for setting a structure that can stand and withstand. In relation to personal movement, a place of sure-footedness as compared to mud or sand.

Still in the biblical context, Jesus Christ is that rock. Jesus is called the very cornerstone of the temple of God in the earth. The “stone” that correctly aligns the structure of the kingdom of God. Without which, the building cannot be built correctly. The Old Testament identifies this cornerstone as “one cast away” and “rejected”. That Christ was rejected by His Jewish heritage and put to death fulfills this prophesy. Peter’s faith in Jesus was identified as foundational, like a rock. That Jesus rose alive after 3 days in the grave confirms the foundational character of a faith rooted in Him.

There is another way to consider the idea of “rock bottom” in an evangelical context. To be in this place is to be in a place of hope. If you are at “rock bottom”, You are resting on Christ. There is nothing else holding you up. All other support is gone. This is the grace and mercy of God that while you still have breath, you still have hope. The mercy of God has not failed you and you still have opportunity.

Now consider the abyss. The very idea of it brings the thought of never-ending falling. Total hopelessness. This is the biblical model of condemnation and final judgement. It is reserved for satan, fallen angels and demons. It is not intended for humans, but it is intended for any who will not trust in and believe in the loving mercy and grace of God as manifested in Jesus Christ. Without Christ, there is no “rock bottom”. No foundation. No place to build, no sure footing or place to stand.

So, believe while you can. If you are reading this and you believe you have hit “rock bottom”, know that God has caught you in the arms of Christ. There is none else that can save you.

Here is a lift from Isaiah 49 (I encourage you to read the entire chapter).

Isaiah 49:8-9 (KJV) 8 Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that [are] in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures [shall be] in all high places.

And again in Isaiah 55...

Isaiah 55:6-7 (KJV) 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Think of the way of wickedness as the way without Christ. A way with no bottom. No stopping place, endless falling. A way with no way. But Jesus Christ IS The Way. He is also The Truth and Life. John 14:6.

If you have “hit rock bottom”, know that Christ is that “Rock” and on that solid rock you can stand in the Throne room of Almighty God forever.