“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.” Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV
As believers in Christ we have a real enemy who longs to take us down! His playground may appear to be inviting but offers us nothing of substance, nothing that satisfies! If you’re tired of the shallow life the enemy offers, escape to the comfort of God’s deeper waters.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Fish that swim too close to the surface are at risk of being carried off by a bird of prey. We run the same risk with our faith. When we leave the deep water of fellowship with God to seek surface relationships and deviate from our walk, even for a short time, we are in danger. We must not allow the shallows of this world to creep into our lives.
James writes:
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:13-15 NIV
God knows everything we encounter, and will give us strength to endure when we remain in HIM. He provides HIS deep and living waters to protect us, because He loves us.
The psalmist writes:
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalms 139:7-10 NIV
Let us make our bed in the depths, and settle on the far side of the sea! There HIS protective hand will guide us and hold us fast.
Nothing is deeper than HIS love for us!
So where are you today? Is your walk with Christ so shallow that you are easy prey for the enemy or are you deep in prayer, deep in God’s word and deep in fellowship? Wherever you are, what would it take to go deeper?
Remember to love one another.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.