The Joy of the Journey: Deeper

The Joy of the Journey

Deeper

“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me” (Psalm 42:7).

There comes a time in every believer’s life when God calls us to go deeper — deeper in faith, relationship, and obedience. It is not a call to comfort but a call to commitment. We are called to dive into the “deeper things” of God, which are not reserved for a few spiritual elites; they are an open invitation to all who will seek Him with their whole heart.

We are called to leave the shallow waters.  In Luke 5, Jesus gave a profound command to Simon Peter: “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Peter had just finished an unproductive night of fishing, but at Jesus’ word, he obeyed. The result was a miraculous catch that nearly broke the nets.

The shallow waters represent the places of safety and control where we rely on our own strength. But the deep waters represent the unknown, that place of faith and total dependence on God. When Jesus calls us to the deep, He’s inviting us to trust Him beyond what we can see or understand. It’s in the deep that miracles happen, revelation comes, and faith is refined.  We cannot experience the amazing things God has in store for us if we’re splashing around in the shallows.  Too many believers settle for surface Christianity, i.e., attending church, saying the right words, but never experiencing the fullness of God’s power. Yet, the Spirit is calling: “Launch out. Leave behind the comfort of the shore.”

The depths of God are discovered through intimacy. NOTHING replaces our personal time with Jesus!  Paul wrote, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

The deep things of God are not found through intellect or emotion alone; the Holy Spirit reveals them to those who seek intimacy with Him. Spending time in prayer, fasting, and meditating on the Word draws us closer to the heart of God.  In a noisy world filled with distractions, going deeper means quieting our souls long enough to listen. It’s in the quiet place alone with God that God speaks His deepest truths. Jesus said, “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:6).  If we desire the deep things of God, we must be willing to dwell in the deep place of prayer.

The deep requires us to surrender to Christ fully!  Going deeper means relinquishing control. It means letting go of our plans and trusting God’s process. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

When Peter let down his nets in obedience, he wasn’t just fishing; he was surrendering. The deeper walk with God requires faith that follows even when the outcome isn’t clear. It’s not a place of convenience; it’s a place of consecration.  The more we surrender, the more room God has to fill us with His Spirit. As we empty ourselves of pride, fear, and sin, God fills us with peace, power, and purpose.

Those who answer the call to the deep never remain the same. Peter’s life was transformed after that encounter with Jesus on the water.   He left everything to follow Jesus. Likewise, when we respond to God’s call to the deeper things, we move from religion to relationship, from information to revelation, and from comfort to calling.  Paul declared, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). This is the essence of the deep life, not just knowing about God, but truly knowing Him. The Lord is still calling His people into deeper waters away from shallow faith and into a vibrant, Spirit-led life. Will you answer His call?