Always Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Always Between a Rock and a Hard Place

True sons—those who partake of chastening—(Heb. 12)—are in a singular position. The expression “between a rock and a hard place” can reasonably be applied to this state. Just as we think we are between a rock and a hard place, so we also think we are “from wall to wall.”

The various aspects of life consist of apparent contradictions. These make up the “two walls”: the “rock” on the one side and the “hard place” on the other.

If we see something that is just and good in something and then lay hold of it with all our heart, we praise it and follow it; and then we will, in a manner of speaking, be satisfied and build temples there. Yet it is all very imperfect and only piece-meal. Soon a new light shines that is an advocate of an apparent contradiction; and so we open our hearts to it, follow it, and praise it. But this doesn’t last long either. In a manner of speaking, we are not given any peace or rest. And so it continues “from wall to wall.”

We are inclined to be content, to live a routine life, but our caring Father sees to it that we keep on going and pursue perfection.

Solomon says that there is “a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones.” Humanly speaking, the one is the direct opposite of the other! Which of these actions is correct? Both of them? Each one in its time, each one with its own motive. When the stones were cast away, I had good reason to do it, whereas the light that at a later moment gave me another good reason to gather them together again did not shine for me at that time. Seeing that it did not shine for me, I could not conduct myself accordingly. If we walk in the light that shines for us at any given moment, we do the right thing and are perfect according to our conscience. No creature can do anything more at any given moment.

For example, we are gripped of speaking the truth instead of being cowardly and lying. We speak the truth enthusiastically at home and abroad, not even having peace in our soul unless we have said everything we know to be truth at every opportunity. Silence (in this instance) is the stones that we cast away. Never be silent! We think that silence is just the result of cowardice. Therefore: away with it! Far away! However, finally the Chief Shepherd also gives us new light; for example, “Do not cast your pearls before swine,” or, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak.” I see good reasons for me to be quiet about what I know to be true and good, and that it can be very good and profitable for me and for others. So then I gladly fetch the stones which I have previously cast away—namely, silence.

What an amazing life! Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

This is how it went with speaking and being quiet. It goes the same way with all the other things that concern the inner life.

I wonder how it goes with guiding souls with a firm and experienced hand or letting each of them walk according to their desire?

What is more correct? To seek help directly from God or from a devout person? What is most pleasing to God when I seek to win souls for Him? Giving them only God’s word or also drawing them with human love? Is it the most perfect thing to be free from others, or to rely on them? What is best? To speak only about things that pertains to the inner life, or to touch on outward things as well?

The most correct, the best thing for us is to listen to the Spirit and be flexible, to be led “from wall to wall” by Him. Neither being in the “rock” nor being in the “hard place” is best, but our place is “between the rock and the hard place.”

If we imagine being an insect climbing to the top of a tree, we have these three options among which we can choose: we can either go through the bark, or through the trunk, or between both of them.1 The third option would be the most appropriate way or the only way to the goal. Therefore we must have both the bark and the trunk, just as the tree itself could not grow up without either of them.

The apostle Paul describes this state clearly in 2 Corinthians 4:8: We are hard pressed on every side (it is cramped between the rock and the hard place). Always perplexed (undecided). Therefore: what shall I believe is best? Shall I cast away stones, or shall I gather them?

No one can give a definitive answer, citing chapter and verse. For the same person one thing is correct at a given moment, while something else is correct at another time. At the same time one thing is right for the one person, something else for another. When everyone follows the light he has at the moment, they all have fellowship with each other in spirit and in truth and are one harmonious whole, regardless of how much they differ from each other. It is only sin—transgression of the light we have—that is the cause of separation.

The wise Paul was always undecided. What, then, could be the reason that others who are far behind him can always feel so certain? Because Paul always reached out for the things that were before him, he always felt undecided, because what is before us is unknown territory. If someone always feels fully assured, it must be because he always dwells on the past or what they possess—that they are rich, and content with what they have.

Dear brother, be not content with one thing or another! To be sure, it is the easiest thing to do, but it is also the least rewarding. For here we have no continuing city, for we are pilgrims. It is cramped between the rock and the hard place, but with God’s peace in your heart you will surely endure this cramped state [tribulation]. Paul says that it works for us a far more exceeding weight of glory; so it is profitable.

Therefore: continue confidently between the bark and the trunk. Just remain patiently hanging on the cross. Greetings to you in the love of Christ with 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.