Deep Dark Waters

Image by Steve Conger
Flickr.com_/photos/dukie1/13937228763
CC BY-ND 2.0

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5b NIV

I'd rather scale the side of a mountain or jump from an airplane (with a working parachute), than dive into deep waters. I find no pleasure wading blindly through muddy silt among invisible, toe-nibbling fish and I panic when my feet can’t touch bottom.

However, heights comfort me ̶ whisper freedom deep inside ̶ lends a broader perspective of what’s below.

Watching birds soar enveloped by blue skies excites me. But even birds have to land, find nourishment in valleys or in ocean depths.

Our scary, dark, murky places where we can't touch bottom or catch our breath might be sickness, grief, family or financial crises. All humanity experiences dark places without exception because we live in a broken world. But for those who trust in the Lord, he promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5 NIV). 

Notice, he doesn’t promise no problems, for how else would we know God’s faithfulness, God’s healing, God’s provision, God’s refuge and strength?  On the contrary, he promises to swim alongside us, sometimes carrying us through those murky waters until he plants our feet on higher ground.

Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).

Thank you, Jesus for your great promise to never leave us, nor forsake us no matter how deep or dark our journey. Daily remind us that because YOU have overcome the world we have NOTHING to fear and it is you who sets our feet on high places.

If you're joining me here from Encouragement Cafe, welcome!