How to use stones as spiritual comfort. Try it.

Table of Contents

There are many words that start with “S.” I’m in a quandary—which to pick, which to pick. I love scenic spots, including Scotland. I’m thankful for people’s sensitivity. I enjoy sermons and silence, smooth and soft things. I’m thankful there are standards. I appreciate stillness. Strength is good. But I’m going to settle on stones. I know, strange. Stay with me here.

scenic photo of sea during dawn/stones

Stones

Years ago, in November, I went through the alphabet and thought of something I could be thankful for every day. This is what I used for the letter “s.” I’m updating it and reposting it today and adding some material. It’s as true today as it was then.

I like things in their natural state. Organic things. Stones certainly qualify. A stone is a stone is a stone. Sure, they are chiseled, painted on, cemented, or crushed, but the essence of a stone remains stone. There is something eternal about a stone. They haven’t changed since the beginning of time. Stones cannot be recreated. They have only been created once.  

The religious history

Stones have been symbols for various religions since the beginning of time. I have a red bowl in my bathroom full of small stones. On some of the stones, I’ve written the word “remember.” This refers to the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River.

The heads of the twelve tribes were each to pick up a stone from the river as a reminder of God’s deliverance by cutting off the water from the Jordan so they could pass through. The stones were kept in their home. They were then to be prepared to answer the question from their children as to what the stones meant. They were to say, “Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4: 6-7)

Joshua could have suggested any number of ways for the Israelites to remember crossing over the Jordan River.  He could have told them to simply pass the story on from one generation to another, as was their custom. He could have told them to write it down. Instead, he told them to pick up stones.

Why?

Stones can be pulverized and crushed, but they remain stones. People can try and pulverize and crush God, but he remains God.

Symbolism of stones

The symbolism of stones in relation to the concept of an Eternal God is profoundly rich. Stones serve as a tangible reminder of the enduring nature of a divine being. Consider the essence of a stone – it possesses undeniable substance and strength. It can withstand immense pressure, and while it can be crushed and pulverized, it retains its fundamental nature as a stone.

Parallelism of stones to the Eternal God

This characteristic of steadfastness and resilience can be paralleled to the nature of an Eternal God. The analogy drawn here is compelling – just as a stone cannot be fully eradicated despite attempts to break it down, so too can the idea of an Eternal God withstand any attempts to negate its existence. The symbolism encapsulates the notion that despite humankind’s efforts to diminish or disprove the presence of a higher power, that divine essence remains indefatigable.

In many ways, the indomitable nature of stones echoes the enduring essence of the Divine—unyielding, unwavering, and immutable. Just as a stone is a constant presence in the natural world, so too is the presence of an Eternal God a timeless and unchanging force in the lives and beliefs of many individuals. This a powerful reflection on the enduring nature of faith as encapsulated in the symbolism of stones.

Using stones to remind us.

Some Christian authors have suggested one should carry a small stone in one’s purse or pocket. The idea is to caress the stone throughout the day as a reminder of God’s presence. Or as a reminder for a new habit. Perhaps a reminder to give up a destructive one. My purse is really heavy anyway, so I haven’t gone that far.

Another suggestion is to hold a stone during one’s prayer time. It’s a “grounding” thing. It reminds us that there are some things in this life that are everlasting.

When you get a chance, pick up a stone and think about the implications of holding something in your hand that is timeless, will never change, and will never be recreated. It’s really very soothing.

How the words are used in the Bible

The words rocks and/or stones are used many times in Scripture, more than you probably know. And they always refer to strength. Rocks are strong. A small stone slung from a slingshot killed a giant. Stones/rocks always represent strength to me as well.

Psalm 18:2 states:

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress, and my Deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge……”

So maybe the next time you pick up a rock, think of all the implications a rock can suggest.

God bless, and have a great day.