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Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Deep Water

Note: For those of you who are following along in My Utmost for His Highest, I accidentally switched June 8th and 9th.

6/9/2020

John 13:17 “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

I love the ocean. It’s true that this sentiment is not rare; many people feel a connection to the sea and treasure the peace often found there. For me, however, it also makes me feel connected to my father, who I lost many years ago. Chambers uses the sea as a metaphor, and encourages his readers to leave the safety of the harbor and venture out into deep waters, for it is here that you will gain discernment. He says, “Launch all on God, go out on the great swelling tide of His purpose and you will get your eyes open.”

It is easier to stay in a safe place than to take a chance, but in a spiritual journey – just as in life – staying on shore or in the harbor never gets us anywhere. We need to strike out in faith and sail into the mysteries of the deep, because this requires full trust in God.

My father was a Merchant Marine Captain, and I know that while out at sea, the safety of his crew and vessel was the single most important thing to him. He would never harm either, and although sometimes they encountered rough seas, he was always there to take the wheel and turn into the waves. It is never easy, but it is what has to be done. The passengers and crew that sailed with my dad placed their welfare in his very capable hands.

When I am called from security of the harbor by God, I should always remember that He is the Captain of whatever vessel I am in. Whether it is a large ship for a long voyage or a small fishing boat for a shorter excursion, even when a storm hits, I need to trust The Captain to take the wheel and get me safely to shore.

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