deepness

When we think about how wise you are Lord, help us not to be afraid. Help us not to be overwhelmed. Instead, rather, let us be inspired.

These words are a doxology. A word of honor to your name.

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

How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"

"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"

For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.

-Romans 11:33-36

We want the honor and the glory to be yours Lord. We desire that the one thing that would cause people to shout praise would be wonder at your amazing ways.

We desire to know your glory more deeply. These words make it clear that riches come with depth. We do not discover riches in you and take them for ourselves. That's not how it works. It is more correct that we want to know your riches more, that we may draw others' attention to them. We do not want to exploit your blessings. We want to notice new ones, so that we can point at you and say to the world, look at this amazing God. Let's worship him. Let's lift up the name of our Savior for all to see.

It's true that I often crave something deeper than A sunday school message. For someone who has believed from childhood that God sent his son to die on the cross to forgive the sins of the world, it can be difficult to remain enthused by that message at times.

But sometimes, knowing him deeper can't happen because I am deeper in something else--selfishness.

As I try to tread water, I drown in selfish waters. I flail and kick and cry out, but I can't stay up. Gasping for breath, I give in and admit that I am not strong enough to stay above water. Resigned to my fate I relax, powerless. My head pops through to the top of the water, and oxygen-rich air fills my lungs. Looking around, I catch glimpses of others who calmly float. Breathing deeply, floating by the grace of God, I realize that he has designed us to float above the water of selfishness.

Someday we will be freed from these sinful bodies and then we will fly. All praise to the one who has lifted us up. Calm my doubts and fears wondrous God and make me rest in the arms of your grace.


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