I have heard the song Oceans by Hillsong so many times! I still remember when I first heard it I was in love with the lyrics and it quickly became one of my favorite songs. After about a month I guess others caught on and before I knew it the song was on the radio constantly. Hearing it so much almost took that special spark out of it for me, and when it came on Pandora again I would sing along with an almost unintended lackluster for what’s in essence a really great song.
I think everyone loved (and still loves) this song so much because it speaks to the heart of most of us. I mean, how wonderful it is that when we’re drowning in the waves that life crashes on us that our Savior keeps our heads above water? When we’re sinking He holds out His hand, and much like Peter our doubts are extinguished when He pulls us from the frothy calamity in which we’re sinking. This song is a celebration of how great our God is to save us when we simply call upon Him for help. Praise the Lord, right?
So wasn’t I surprised when God spoke to me about this song. We were singing it at church, and having the lyrics displayed upon the screen up front I could visualize every word. I almost didn’t look since I knew every lyric by heart, yet in that moment the Lord spoke something new to me. Perhaps it’s the season that I’m in, but nevertheless it rang very true to my spirit.
That’s a pretty brave song you’re singing there.
I contemplated the words whispered to my spirit, and I looked at the screen taking it upon me in a new light. By singing these lyrics I was asking the Lord to try me, to test me, and to refine me. I was begging for faith building in whatever way He saw necessary, and it was like these lyrics were saying, “bring it!”
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
Go ahead, God. Lead me down a path where I’ve been too frightened to go. I’m ready. I wanna proceed beyond where I’ve ever been before.
Lead me where my trust is without borders
I can easily recall when I was a new Christian transversing through my relationship with the Lord. I was hungry, no doubt, but I was also fearful. I had heard speak of this Refiner’s Fire business and I wanted no part of it. I mean, I did, but I didn’t, if that makes sense. I think we’re all like that at one time or another. We wanna say, “yes, God. Lead me! But not too far out of my comfort zone. Mold me! But could you be gentle so it doesn’t hurt too bad. I want you to draw me closer to you! But only if that’s a painless process and I don’t have to give up anything. Sound good?”
I was like that for a long time. I desired to be close to Jesus, but I didn’t want any kind of self-sacrifice to be necessary. I think Satan uses our fear to keep us from the fullness of relationship with God. He whispers things to us like, “think about Jonah. God will crush you like a rose to bring you closer to Him. You don’t want that.” It’s like it’s not worth the collateral damage, and many Christians spend their entire life standing at the edge of the crowd while only a select few press in through it all to touch the hem of His garment. It’s just easier to stand on the outside looking in. Less commitment, but your name still goes on the roster.
Such a shame. It’s a shame because there is so much more of God to experience in this life than many of us do. He does refine, but He makes it better than before. He is an angry God, but a loving Father too. He heals hearts, mends hurts, and yes, burns away the dross. But then. Oh, then, He is so faithful to His children. Why walk just half way when the whole journey takes you home? If this life is a preparation for the next, who wouldn’t want to move past “beginner level” to what lays beyond?
I have found myself maturing in my walk. Not by any works of my own, but by a persistent Savior who keeps drawing me in. He calls my name, and every day I inch a little closer. As I creep in towards His presence I’m no longer disillusioned. As I get closer I can see the picture more clearly, and it’s not a blurry figure like I saw from the perimeter. And as I get closer to Him by seeking Him through the Bible, prayer, and quiet time I am able to see His character. He doesn’t want to harm me! He has a future for me, and plans to prosper my spirit.
My outlook has changed from twenty years ago. Now I can say, “yes, God. I will take the Refiner’s Fire. I want to burn if that means when you’re done you’ll see your reflection in me!” I don’t fear a Father who loves His child; I trust Him. I trust that if He leads me there, He will lead me through. And in fact, I desire to be led even deeper. So when I see lyrics like “deeper than my feet have wandered,” I can say emphatically yes and amen!
I can pray for my faith to be stretched when I know in my heart that He is faithful. I can trust without borders a God who loves me without end. Like the horizon of the ocean, His love extends beyond what I can see, and how could I not want to dive into that?
Romans 5:1-5 ESV
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Shakira says
I sincerely thank you for sharing this word giving to you by Holy Spirit. Often times we walk with God & want Him to increase our faith not realizing that there’s pain in the process. Not pain that will kill you but pain that will make you stronger. I’ve found myself wanting to just dip my feet in the water but not experiencing the overflow of God because I’m afraid that I may drown. But God takes care of His children. He’s so faithful to us even when we’re unfaithful to Him. I actually stumbled across your RN post about encouragement & was tempted to just scroll by but something wouldn’t allow me. I just graduated from nursing school in Dec in MS (Jones County Jr College) & will take the NCLEX in a couple of days. I know that if God brought me to it He’ll surely see me through it. Thanks again for your post & Holy Spirit please continue to guide her thoughts.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you so much!
Lisa Pierce says
You have so eloquently described the santification we grow through as we grow closer to our Lord and Savior. Thank you and God bless you for sharing your innermost feelings.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.