Into the Deep
Photo Credit: Jimmy Dominico, via Pixabay
I learned to swim when I was 10.
I had begged my parents for the lessons for weeks. Mom researched summer programs and found one that worked with her schedule. So one fateful July afternoon, she took me to the YMCA for lesson number one, and I enthusiastically jumped into the pool like a trooper.
The first thing the instructor asked me to do was to stick my head under the water.
I wanted to get out of the pool immediately.
Why couldn’t I learn to swim without going below the surface? I mean, I could easily stroke without ever plunging into the watery abyss.
The instructor was kind, but firmly resolute.
If i wanted to learn to swim, I must conquer my fear of the unknown.
I’ve thought about those swimming lessons quite a bit lately because I want to go deeper with my God.
Actually, a few times, He has just thrown me right into the waves.
Life can crash into you, and if you haven’t conquered your fear of the unknown, you might flounder rather than float.
I’ve also come to see that there is great beauty to be found in the deepest and darkest of waters.
Do you want to go into the deep?
His sovereign hand will be your guide.
Just jump in and meet Him there.
Lord, I want to go deeper.
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This year, my desire is to lift up holy hands and “Pray Big.” Want to join me? I’ve created a private “Pray Big” Facebook group for like-minded sisters to share their stories and surrender each one to our mountain-moving God in prayer. Let’s cry out to God together.
It’s lovely being next to you at Shelly’s today, Lyli! I don’t always get over here as often as I’d like. Mary Geisen wrote about going deeper for The Weekend Brew last weekend. Her words resonated with me, as do yours. You’re so right, there is an element of fear involved. But honestly, I’d rather go deeper with God than jump off the deep end of the dock. I don’t trust the swim instructors, but I do trust our God, lol!
It’s always amazing to me that when I do take that step forward I discover that it’s not as scary as I expected it to be… in fact, it’s actually quite fun in many ways.
I don’t like water over my head. But I love the water. Just, not over my head. I want to be in control of where the water goes. And, while I’m talking about actual water, here, it’s a direct correlation to my spiritual life. I’d like to be in control, thank you very much.
Thank God he is patient with me. But, he’s in charge. 🙂
Yesterday, after I wrote this post, my best friend came over with her girls. We are actually in the middle of having a pool built in our backyard, so I let the girls peek at the unfinished pool. Sophia, age 10, said “I won’t go to the deep end,” and I immediately thought about how I love to stay in the shallow end with God, too. — I can “handle” it, and I never feel out of control.
Beautiful post, thanks for sharing. I frequently use swimming references to teach my children anything and everything, lol!
I find analogies help me to fully-flesh out things — so I am sure your kids love that.
Such a challenging post & thought, Lyli 🙂 I like the shallow end, feet on the ground, I can go where I want or need. Yet I am finding, God thrusts me into the deep end more often than I would like and it is there, I find more of Him than I ever had before. May we drift into the deep end today!
Having to tread water spiritually speaking is tiring, but I am thankful that He strengthens our spiritual muscles while we do.
Oh Lyli…what a word picture you have drawn for me! I used to be afraid of swimming in a lake because the water was so dark blue that I could not see into the water and then “something” would touch me! AAAhhhh! I would freak and scare those “something” fishes out of my way. The fear of the unknown has kept me from venturing into some areas yet have been bold in other areas and just jumped in with all four feet!
Yes, I ask the Lord to take me deeper still.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
We had a deep lake behind my house growing up. Once I learned to swim in the pool, i was able to do the lake with no problems. I guess I need to remember that God has given me the tools to stay afloat — and this works in a small body of water or in a big deep, dark one.
‘God’s grace abounds in deepest waters.’ Yes, Lyli. This I hold onto when I feel like the flood is ready to roll right over me.
Thank you for sharing words that encourage my soul. It’s good to be here with you today …
Holding on with you, Linda. 🙂
So much Amen, Lyli! Yes, yes, yes to going deeper in Him – even if/when that means diving down into the unknown!
It’s easier to do down deep when you aren’t doing it alone. Thanks for stopping by here with that Amen, Karrilee. xo
Your post made me giggle Lyli, I could just see your look when they told you to stick your head under water. 🙂 What a great analogy though, and a wonderful reminder for us to remain rooted in God’s word so we can stay afloat when things are crazy, and know His word deeply so we will be enriched.
NIcki, thank you for pointing us back to the Word. I am thankful for the armor He provides — it’s good in deep water and on the battle field. xo
This is a great word. What a fantastic analogy to how we need to go deeper with God, by conquering our fears and diving under the water. Thank you for the challenge!!
(Your neighbor at Meredith’s!)
Dana, so lovely to “meet” you through Meredith’s linkup today. 🙂
Except I just stopped by and see we have already met! 🙂
Deep calls to Deep Sister. I will walk with you into the deep waters of the soul for that is where we find His intimacy.
Chris, you are such a blessing! Thank you for walking with me. It’s a sweet gift to have praying sisters. xo
I’ve read multiple posts today about fear and connecting with God on a deeper level. Apparently God wants me to hear this message, the one your share so well here. Swimming is such a good analogy for our faith walks – and sometimes we have to go ahead and jump in. Thank you for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Don’t you love it when God repeats HImself? 🙂
Going deep – oh, it can be terrifying can’t it?! I often remind myself that while I can try to stay on the surface with the Lord – He already knows my every in and out – all those things I think I’m heading so well are laid out right where He can see them. Here’s to living life wide open before God!
Yes, if He is in the deep, then that is the safest place to be. 🙂
What a beautiful correlation. I love the imagery you’ve evoked here. YES! I want to go deeper. But the trust to put my face under the water… that’s hard! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Let’s jump in together, Tammy 🙂
One of my favorite songs ever is the Hillsong song, Oceans. But when you really listen to the words, you have to ask yourself if you really want it. I do!
Yes, that song is lovely to sing, but not simple to live out. 🙂
Jumping all in with Him as my guide. Great post Lyli! Thanks for linking it at CMB.
Thanks for stopping by, Deb. I have always thought you were a deep end kind of gal. xo
Yes, I’m all in on going deeper. It’s the cry of my heart — my terrified heart! I’m looking for the beauty…
I am just as terrified. Let’s pray for Him to give us courage. xo
Great analogy, Lyli. Thanks for the insight to ponder today. It kind of reminds me of how I’ve wanted to learn to scuba dive for years, but am afraid of that thing that happens when you come up to quick and get an air bubble in your bloodstream. Anyway, my point is that I will never learn by thinking about it, and I will never conquer that fear unless I plunge myself into the deep (because that’s where scuba happens…in the deep). And what a wonderful world to be plunged into!
Yes, there are things visible in the deep that will never been seen on the surface.
Going into the deep with God: what an apt analogy! I’m reminded that, whether in a swimming pool or at the lake, I’ve never been able to tread water. If I try to tread, I always sink. Finally, I met a swim instructor who explained to me that there are some people who just do not have buoyant bodies and are therefore unable to tread water regardless of how hard they try. That leaves me two choices: I either have to float on my back in a looking-up position, or I have to turn over and actually swim. There’s definitely a spiritual lesson for me here!
Wow, Rosemary! I did not know that. I guess it’s a good thing that you are either resting or moving — not stagnant and in one place.
I love your analogy of swimming and actually putting your head under to mirror how outlives should go deeper for God. I have always loved the water but for some reason as I get older there is a sense of fear of not having control. This filters into all areas of my life. I love your words and reminder for us to go deeper-don’t just stick your toes in the water-dive deep! Blessed you linked up at The Weekend Brew.
Letting go of the fear is so hard, Mary. I am glad that He is patient with us.