A rope can serve many useful purposes. It ties up loose ends, holds bulky items together, and forms scaffolds for building. At sea, a rope thrown out can pull a person back to safety.

Scripture has many places where a rope played a useful purpose. The Apostle Paul once found himself in need of rescue. *”In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands”*. (2 Corinthians 11:32-33). A rope played a vital part in his escape.

What do you do when you wait for a rope and there is none! After Absalom overthrew his father and forced him from the palace, David, at that desperate point chose to look up to God and cry out: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”* – Psalm 61:1-3

Even in his lowest moment David did not lose hope. He continued: *”Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him… Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.”* — Psalm 61:6-8

When we reach the end of our ropes, David’s example still speaks. When all human hope seems lost, let us look up to the Almighty God, trusting Him to throw us the rope of life and draw us safely back to the shores of life.