Diving Deeper
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)
Only one time did I ever try snorkeling. All was going well until our friend said, “Don’t put your feet down or you’ll cut them to pieces on the coral.” I panicked and had to be rescued. What I do remember is watching those tiny tropical fish with bright colors of blue, yellow, and orange. I was greatly impressed. Estelle Hopkins (The Upper Room) shares her thoughts on the deeper dive.
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One morning I went for my usual swim in a clear pool in the ocean. As I was snorkeling, I suddenly found myself among a large school of tiny fish. Soon I noticed they were forming a circled around me. What a joyous experience, being in the center of a perfect circle of hundreds or maybe thousands of little fish! I wanted to share this joy with someone else and surfaced to see if anyone else noticed this amazing sight, but everyone was just having fun floating, enjoying a wonderful morning in the sea.
I couldn’t help thinking that — just as my goggles enable me to see below the surface and experience the beauty of God’s creation — a relationship with Christ allows me to experience overwhelming joy of life lived at a deeper spiritual level. Many people seem happy swimming on the surface of life, not realizing that they are missing out on the very best life has to offer: a personal relationship with our Creator. When I put on the goggles of faith and dive into the ocean of God’s word, the Holy Spirit reveals a whole new world to me, and I experience the joy of realizing who I am in Christ.
Loving Lord, thank You for all of creation. We thank You for life lessons that are taught by nature. Show us how to take a deeper dive because we need You. AMEN.