Encounters and Reflections - Deep calls unto Deep.

“Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:7-8.

The Psalmist recounts the challenges that have engulfed him, however, almost instantly a statement is made about God’s support, day and night. The sovereignty of our Creator God is made evident by the declaration that God is the God of their lives. Who is the God of your life?

In the midst of challenges in our lives, Our Creator is still God. Even in the midst of the noise, the challenges, the distractions, the trials and tribulations, we have the opportunity to pray to the God of our lives.

The verb Prayer, defined by the Oxford dictionary, is

“address a solemn request or expression of thanks to a deity or other object of worship.”

Listening, however, is also prayer. Being still and meditating on scripture, for example, is also prayer. Eliminating distracting sounds or at least minimizing extraneous sounds facilitates focus and peace.

How can we tap into our deeper, spiritual selves if we don’t allow our natural selves a time of rest in the midst of activity? We need time, when we are awake, or woke and interacting with the world around us… to be still. Rest is good for our natural and spiritual selves.

“Making time to rest and relax is often overlooked as part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is actually essential to our health and wellness. That's because rest is not only physical but mental, emotional, and spiritual – it's nourishment for both body and soul. Taking regular time to rest and be mindful allows us to renew our inner strength and balance so we can better focus on our lives, the people in our lives, and our work. (And these rest times are in addition to getting enough quality sleep every night…) The benefits of rest have been extensively studied and proven.” (Nurturing Spirit by Dr. Shannon McDonald. First Nations Health Authority. https://tinyurl.com/yamfmyfj).

“Why are you downcast, O my Soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.” Psalm 42:11.

When we engage in God-centered prayer that is guided by God’s Holy Spirit we are setting the stage for God moments and deeper discovery of our spiritual selves. Deep will call unto deep.

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Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York. AOB Creations Photo.