in the depths.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” Isaiah 43:2

We are called to exist beyond the surface of our lives. We are called to think deeply, care deeply, and love deeply. To crash our hearts into those around us, and develop deep connections. However, deep love leaves us vulnerable to deep hurt. Why should we venture beyond the shallow end and risk sinking to depths of darkness?

The deep sea is classified as the ocean below two hundred meters. There is extreme pressure, low temperatures, and no sunlight. For centuries, scientists could not fathom life in such conditions. However, exploration later uncovered a variety of life in the deep sea. The creatures found were dramatically different from their relative species living in the open ocean. Why? The creatures adapted.

Like the sea creatures, harsh conditions can shape us rather than break us. However, through our own strength, we cannot swim through high tides and strong currents. We sink to rock bottom when we believe the lie we are alone. Isaiah 43:2 serves as a reminder we are never alone. We continue swimming, stroke by stroke, by relying on our anchor in the waves: Christ. He uses every wave as a catalyst for growth, every high tide as a tide of transformation. When we go through rivers of difficulty, we will not drown. Through His redemptive power, we will grow. We will adapt. We will transform.

Dear God,

I pray for the person reading this who feels like they are sinking in depths of darkness. Help them keep swimming through high tides and strong currents. I pray every wave will be a catalyst for growth, every high tide a tide of transformation. When they feel like they are about to drown, remind them: in deep waters, you are with them. You are the anchor in the waves.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.