In Too Deep

Psalms 18:16
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.

Comedian John Gray said, “I will not go swimming in water where my feet can’t touch the bottom.” For those of us who might not be excellent swimmers, at some point in our lives we may remember a time when we felt our feet drift to the deeper end of the pool and found ourselves sinking in the deep end. This panic filled us as we fought our way back unsuccessfully until someone helped us back to our comfort zone.

In some area in our lives, we’ve all drifted in too deep. We had no intentions of drifting in too deep but the currents pulled us gradually or we went after others who lured us into a place we were not equipped to swim. You look around you with a quiet panic wishing you hadn't drifted this far and try your best to get back.

When my wife and I were in Hilton Head, SC, we noticed Lifeguards positioned all along the beach with eyes like Hawks watching the ocean front for people in distress. I can imagine this is what the beaches of the Kingdom really look like with poised angels who guard our lives on a daily basis as we find ourselves in too deep.

David was in too deep when Saul and his other enemies were pursuing him. David said, “in my distress, I called out to God and he reached down into the deep waters and took hold of me.” I’m glad we are never too deep that God can’t reach us. When you find yourself in too deep make sure:

1. You don’t panic. Many people drown not because they can’t be saved but because they panic. Some people will drown the people trying to rescue them by pulling them down in their attempt to save them. Participate in your salvation don’t fight against it.

2. Cry out to God. When you are in over your head cry out to God. When you’ve done all you know to do make your needs known to God and he will answer you in your distress.

3. Swim across the current. When under currents try to pull you down you don’t fight with the current, you swim across it. You have to be counter cultural by swimming across what is pulling you. People will not understand why you are coming out when you come out but it’s because you feel yourself getting in too deep.

4. Reach out to God. When God throws you a lifeline take it. God will always provide a way of escape but you can’t let your pride keep you in too deep. Don’t drown trying to impress your friends. If you can’t afford to stay in too deep take your exit now.

Dear God, thank you for hearing my despairing cry. When noting else could help your love lifted me. Every now and then I find myself far from the peaceful shores and sinking to rise no more but you, the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, now safe am I because your love lifted me. Thank you for being my Life Guard and giving me a chance to rise above my circumstances and overcoming my enemies and for placing my feet on solid ground.

In Jesus Name,

Amen