You Define the Depth

Have you ever felt compelled to get all spiffed up, put on your best clothes or perhaps slide into a nice warm jacket, then realize you have no destination in mind, ‘all dressed up and nowhere to go?’

Our relationship with God is like that at times, we read our Bible, write in our journal, say our prayers, be in attendance at church, (Check, check, check and CHECK!) yet that is as far as we get – as deep as it goes, possibly only snorkel-surfacy stuff.  I am guilty of this, floating on top as if I am waiting for God to make the first move, not that I am waiting for a burning bush experience or the blinding light of the road to Damascus.  But yes, I think I am waiting for God to shower me with lavishing love and blessings (said with arms thrown wide and head tilted back).   Don’t get me wrong He does!  But.   Come on, be honest, in this day and age we expect things to always come our way effortlessly –  we treat our approach to God like a divine-vending machine, push the button and expect blessings to tumble our way.

James clearly says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (4:8) One of God’s attributes that I strongly appreciate is that of His patience. Oh, His patience!  He longs for us to come to Him, He is waiting. The principle is the same in all relationships, if you want it to be strong and deep, you have to cultivate it, put in the time, the energy – PARTICIPATE in it.

We look to Jesus, (Matthew chapter 26) He leaves the crowds – leaves the disciples. Now with the beloved trio; Peter, James, and John, He tells them to stay and keep watch. Continuing on, the narrative says “Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed, “My Father...”  (v 39)  Yes, His circumstance was exorbitantly different, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)  Further still!

Do we simply wear the snorkel and mask for an expected shallow depth or do we prepare – position for a depth of divine proportions?  Don’t merely dip a toe or two, SUIT UP!   YOU define the depth!  Go deeper – may the narrative of our life say we too went further still.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)