When my problems are too deep.

As the sun and the sand grew hotter with every hour, the ocean breeze blew a delightful freshness. Then a challenge came from a friend. “C’mon, it’ll be lots of fun,” he said.

The adventurous side of me wanted to say, “Let’s do it. I’ve never tried scuba diving lessons.”

But how silly that would be—completely blind, navigating in the depth of the sea…to see what?

I gave him a silly smile and shook my head. “Nope. Too crazy for me.”

But as a certified diver, he gave the details—the depth of the ocean. The gear used and the levels of oxygen needed.

“Too much stuff!” I said. “I’d rather relax in the sun and listen to my audio book.”

Later, I reflected on the incredible depth of the ocean, so deep in fact man cannot survive.

A big contrast.

What a contrast to the depth of God’s love, one that has no bottom, no end, no limit. The only equipment we need is a desire to plunge into it.

But, how quickly we forget this truth. We’re too busy fighting the current of adversity, trying to endure the waves of stress that crash each day.

No wonder we’re exhausted, and gasping for air. We dismiss the dimension of God’s love, his deep compassion and His ability to sustain us.

When you’re in the midst of that rough sea, here’s the rope of reasoning that will pull you to safety:

• If you truly understood how deep His love is for you, would you fear anything?
• If you knew the profound level of His faithfulness, would you fret over details?
• If you had a true understanding of His forgiveness through Christ Jesus, would you still feel condemned when you sin?
• If your mind could comprehend His power to sustain you, would you tremble at the unknown?
• And if you understood who you are In Christ, would you succumb to self-pity?

When facing the trials of today, the burdens of the moment and the sea of troubles that surrounds us, let’s plunge in the waters of His love. Ponder on the beauty of the journey. And breathe in the freshness of His grace.

His grace that repeats to our soul: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3).

Let’s pray.

Father, thank you for allowing me to navigate not in the darkness and depth of my problems, but in the light and freshness of your ever-present love and help. I shall remember to wear the equipment of trust for my soul, and the tank of faith for my journey. In Jesus’ name.

What kind of waters are you trying to navigate these days?

Bonus article on today’s topic. 

Janet

Celebrate with me! My new release, Now I See: How God’s Amazing Grace Transforms the Deepest Pain to Shining Joy won the 2023 Memoir of the Year Golden Scroll Award.

Your copy waits for you HERE.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. You can use this CONTACT FORM to leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group. Or simply reply to this email.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.