“Deep calls to deep” (Ps. 42:7) is a verse often misunderstood and misapplied. It is not speaking about the depth of a person’s spirit longing for more depth—a thirsting soul longing for more of God (as the deer panting for water (v1.) This verse is about how in some seasons of life, blow follows blow. Hardships tumble one upon the other like great waves . . . loudly even.
Life seems at times to be a sea of troubles, one problem rolling on top of another in waves that crash over our heads.
In these times what do we do?
One thing that can help is to remember that God is a God of mercy. Our souls shall never be consumed.
And remember also (although it is so hard at times) that He uses even hard things to work good in the lives of His people.
How can gulping sea water while we’re bobbing in despair work good?
We can learn to trust, be patient, and hope. We can grow stronger in faith and spirit. We can be transformed a little more into the image of Christ.
We will triumph over all our griefs.
We will dance on our troubles.
The sorrows of our souls will not be forever any more than waves stay in one location.
Life can be overwhelming, but you ARE overcoming. Even now. Even when you’re bobbing in the rapids.
In this world we will have miseries, but the Lord is with us. He is our keeper. He is our helper. He is our shade and shelter.
Yes, deep calls to deep and billows roll, but we find the answer to surviving the waves in the next verse (Ps. 42:8):
“Yet the LORD will command his loving kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life.”
Yet . . .
Even so . . .
Even as the waves crash . . . God’s loving kindness abounds towards His people.
And He gives songs even in the darkest night. Songs of peace on stormy seas.
As I wrote this devotion, it brought to mind a song recorded by Sister Willie Johnson. Click the link to hear her sing My Father Watches Over Me.