I have been pondering the real meaning of ‘deep calleth unto deep’ for a few days now, and I invite you to accompany me on this exploration.
Whenever I consider ‘deep’, my experiential schema lingers on the ocean depth. Let us explore some characteristics of the ocean depth.
One remarkable thing about the ocean's depths is that the deeper you go, the more light diminishes. That is the darker it gets.
Deep, therefore, connotes that season in our lives that appears dark, filled with obscurity and multiplied challenges. It is a period of intense pressure that many of us can relate to. For some, it is the scarcity of resources and friendships and a heightened sense of feeling that you are alone and God is silent.
The characteristics of the ocean's depths provide a rich metaphor for the Christian Walk, mainly when reflecting on faith, perseverance, and spiritual growth. The immensity and mystery of the deep sea are much like the Christian journey—vast, largely unexplored, and beyond human comprehension. Just as we trust that the ocean holds secrets beneath its surface, the Christian life requires trust in God's higher ways, even when we cannot fully understand His plans.
Isaiah 55:9
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts
As we descend deeper into the ocean, the pressure intensifies, and only creatures specially equipped for survival can endure. This parallels the Christian life, where the pressures of trials and difficulties can feel overwhelming. Yet, God equips His followers with the strength to endure and thrive, much like the deep-sea creatures.
James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
In these depths, the darkness is also palpable. The deep ocean is shrouded in almost total darkness, and its inhabitants must rely on unique sources of light to navigate. Similarly, in the darkest moments of our spiritual walk, Christ's light within us guides our steps, even when we cannot see the way forward.
John 8:12
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Remarkably, life thrives in the ocean’s depths despite the darkness, cold, and pressure. The deep sea is teeming with life, uniquely adapted to extreme conditions. Likewise, Christians are called to flourish spiritually, even when life presents intense challenges. Just as deep-sea creatures adapt to their environment, so do we grow spiritually when rooted in God's Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
John 15:5
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
The deep sea's stillness and quietness provide space for reflection, far removed from the surface's turbulence. Similarly, the deep places in our spiritual walk often become places of intimate communion with God, where reflection leads to deeper understanding and connection with Him
Psalm 46:10
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The depths of the ocean also hide treasures—rare minerals and unique creatures—discovered only through intentional exploration. In the same way, as we delve deeper into our relationship with Christ, we uncover spiritual treasures, such as wisdom and strength, that can only be found in the depths of faith.
Colossians 2:3
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Lastly, the ocean’s depths are robust and resilient, home to immense forces like underwater currents and tectonic shifts. In the Christian life, spiritual depth signifies strength. The deeper we root ourselves in Christ, the stronger we become when facing the storms of life.
Ephesians 3:17
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
The imagery of the ocean’s depths offers a profound comparison to the Christian Walk—an invitation to trust in the unknown, endure under pressure, and discover the hidden treasures of faith that only come from venturing into the deep.
Auntie Nats
August 16, 2024
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