Exploring the depths of God’s love…
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (Psalm 42:7, NIV)
As a child, I spent most of my summer vacation at the local swimming pool. I loved to wade in the safe and comfortable waters of the shallow end, splashing the girls and laughing with my friends. Life was simpler in those days. It was also predictable and fun.
Over time, however, I became increasingly conscious of the two diving boards that stood at the other end of the pool and began to savor the opportunity to experience the feat known to all kids as the cannon ball. My adventurous young mind reasoned that the low dive would not suffice. Rather, I must attempt this death-defying maneuver off the ten-foot high-dive, and perhaps even drench the lifeguard with a well-placed splash.
There was but one catch to my plan. I must first prove to said lifeguard that I was able to swim the width of the deep end of the pool. As I released my white-knuckled clutch on the swimming pool edge, I knew that there was no possibility of touching the bottom without perishing. I was in the deep waters now, and there was no turning back.
As I reflect on my childhood experience at our local swimming pool, I’m reminded of the Bible story of Simon Peter. In Luke Chapter Five, Jesus tells an unlucky fisherman Peter to “…’Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch'” (Luke 5:4, NIV). A reluctant, yet obedient, Peter listens to his Lord, and the outcome is nothing short of miraculous.
I think that sometimes, in order to experience God in his fullness, we, too, must leave our shallow zones of comfort and head for the deeper, more mysterious places in life. Perhaps this involves sharing our faith story with a stranger. Maybe it’s standing up for an injustice. Honestly, experiencing the deep probably looks a bit different for each of us.
I want to encourage you today to stretch your faith beyond its bounds. Get out of the shallow end of life and experience more fully the depths of God’s purpose, love, and grace. Jump in with both feet and let God’s goodness flow over you. Adventure awaits you as “Deep calls to deep…” (Psalm 42:7, NIV).
Chuck Kralik, Author 