Last week I used the crazy metaphor of scuba diving to explain how to go deeper with God. Since then, this thought is constantly surfacing in my mind:
If you want to go deeper with God in your relationship, you must be willing to go down into deep waters.
None of us like times of heartache, discouragement, or loneliness. However, we cannot escape the fact that we will have them in this fallen world. Even Jesus said so (Jn 16:33). However, I believe God wants to use these times to bring us closer to Him.
Deep waters can be a special experience with God
Some of you know what I mean. You would say that it was during those very difficult times that you experienced the Lord like never before, and grew the most spiritually.
I’ve been a widow now for over 16 years, and although I would never want to relive that first year without my soulmate, the sweetness and intimacy with my Comforter has been unmatched.
Oh, I’ve had many other down times (that comes with the territory of being an emotional yo-yo), and have experienced sweet intimacy with my God, but that time as a new widow was EXTRA special. His grace filled me in a way that I desperately needed at that time.
Each difficult situation is different, and our Lord is able to meet each specific need in a unique and tender way. in a special way.
Deep waters can be faith-building
Looking back on how God rescued me from drowning in my circumstances has buoyed my faith. Going down memory lane with my Savior has greatly enabled me to experience God on a deeper level. His faithfulness reassures us that we’ll be able to endure the next inevitable encounter with the depths of pain. We can know He will be with us—up close and at hand. A very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1).
Deep waters can help us understand our Savior better
Jesus experienced every form of heartache any person can face—and far more.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Heb 4:15)
Most of us realize that Jesus can sympathize with us—but have you ever tried to placed yourself in His shoes?
Back in 2008 I had a friend who betrayed me. The pain was excruciating! I remember asking, “Is this how You felt, Jesus, when Judas betrayed You; when the other disciples ran?” Is this how you feel now when people turn their backs on You?”
By trying to identify with Christ’s suffering, I tasted a small amount of the anguish He endured for me. It drew me even closer to Him and empowered me to forgive. I believe this is part of what Paul meant when he said:
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings…. (Phil 3:10, emphasis added)
When two friends share the same pain and comfort each other, a special bond is formed between them. In a similar way, a bond is formed as we reflect on the suffering Christ endured for us.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:4).
So my friend, don’t fight against God. Accept the weight that brings you down into deep waters; don’t try to resurface too quickly. It may not be fatal as air embolism would be in scuba diving, but you will miss out on:
- A special intimacy with Him
- Spiritual growth
- Impact for His Kingdom
- Present and future rewards
- The abundant life
Instead you will have a life filled with regret!
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb 12:11, emphasis added)
So cooperate with Him, my friend—it’s His way of bringing you closer to Himself. And remember, no diver should ever go down alone. Take hold of Jesus’ hand as your Diving Buddy and trust Him in the deep waters, for though He may allow you to see many troubles, He will restore your life again and bring you up from the depths (Ps 71:20). He will be worth it!
Helpful Resources
How to Go Deeper with God–God’s Way
How to Go Deeper with God in Prayer
Going Deeper with God: Books and Resources to Help You
Bible Verses for Going Deeper with God
All Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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