Deep calls to deep

There is nothing trite or superficial about the things of God. Sometimes life can become so busy that Christian disciplines such as quiet time for Bible reading and study and meditation on God’s word can be difficult to achieve. At other times we are blessed to have the moments when God’s word can really resonate.

“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls: all your waves and breakers have swept over me. (Psalm 42:7)

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”(Psalm 42:11)

David wrote many of the Psalms in times of affliction and Psalm 42 reflects his understanding that his deep distress of mind and soul could only be responded to by the deep comfort of God. He recognised that it was foolish and useless to trust in human loyalty. He even recognised his own sinfulness. Yet many of the Psalms, including this one, finish on a note of optimism. Despite our human sin and frailty, God is ultimately faithful and compassionate to those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

When crises happen, when tragedy strikes, when serious problems occur, we often ask the why? questions. We ponder life seriously. We do not want to be placated with smug phrases. The world and its values can rapidly lose its appeal. We need something more, something which ministers deeply to our need.  

“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)

When we commit our lives to God we receive many blessings, amongst which is the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only is present in this world as God’s witness, but indwells in each person belonging to Christ. Note that the above verses describe the Spirit who is from God – a personal being. In the original New Testament Greek the Holy Spirit was referred to as the Parakletos, which means called to one’s side. This Spirit is with us always as comforter, counsellor and advocate. In the context of the above verses, the Holy Spirit may also be viewed as an interpreter.

As we read the Bible, if we invite the Holy Sprit to open our eyes to the deep things of God, He will do so. God reveals Himself through His word and it is an ever more wonderful experience to grow in knowledge and relationship with our Father, His Son Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. We grow in awe of His majesty, goodness and love. In every circumstance of our life – joy, grief, confusion, illness and many others, God is ready, willing and extremely able to minister to us through His word.

“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Commitment to God is not restricting, on the contrary, it enhances every aspect of our lives. First and foremost we have a wonderful relationship with the triune God, to which nothing else can compare. Other relationships, creativity, talents, intelligence and understanding, health, comfort in trials and every other aspect of our lives are impacted for the better by being a Christian. We discern the deep, and things which may have previously had great attraction become false and shallow.

I pray that as you read and study God’s word this week and seek Him in prayer, contemplation and Christian fellowship and discussion, the deep things of God will be ever more revealed to you through the direction of His loving Holy Spirit. May your life be blessed to bless others in His name. In the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.