Scripture reading: Exodus 33:18–34:9

Deep Calls To Deep

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable

are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

 

Richard Foster begins his book Celebration of Discipline with these unforgettable words: “Superficiality is the curse of our age. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”

Shallow thinking produces shallow Christians. But when we find ourselves in the deep waters of some great tragedy or standing on the brink of the abyss, trite answers just won’t do. “Deep calls to deep” (Psalm 42:7). The depth of your cry is waiting to be matched by the infinite depths of God.

William Cowper (1731–1800) battled depression and mental illness all of his life. Even sitting under the ministry of Rev. John Newton (converted slave trader and author of Amazing Grace) did not lead him to the assurance of inner peace he so desperately craved. But it was from the agony of his life that he wrote some of the deepest and most moving hymns in the English language. If you’ve had a hard week, find a quiet spot to get alone with God and allow these words from Cowper’s pen to massage your soul.

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.

 

Deep in unfathomable mines Of never-failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs, And works His sovereign will.

 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy and shall break In blessing on your head.

 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

 

His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.

 

Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.

 

 

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts

are restless until they rest in you. —Augustine

 

 

point to ponder • Is Almighty God knowable or unknowable?

prayer focus • For God in his glory to trump the darkness of despair.