[Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break (Luke 5:4-6).
Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the sea and sky, You established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep (Proverbs 8:28). To You, Lord God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it (Deuteronomy 10:14).
Almighty God, help us to truly grasp that You are omnipotent, that You are omniscient, that You are omnipresent. Help us to truly grasp that You are perfect in wisdom, perfect in goodness, perfect in love. Help us to entrust ourselves completely to You. To step out in faithful obedience when You ask us to "put out into deep water."
Father, forgive us for relying so much on our own "nets"—our own methods, our own experience, our own "expertise." Thank You for lovingly and patiently redirecting us when we are discouraged from the futility of our own efforts, our own methods, our own wisdom.
Thank You for your multiplied grace that turns our futility into fruitfulness.
Free us, O Lord from the fear, the hesitation, the doubt that keep us floundering "in the shallows." Help us to surrender to You with complete abandon to Your will, and step out into the deep "because You say so."
Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus Daily let me go; Higher, higher in the school of wisdom, More of grace to know.
Refrain: Oh, deeper yet, I pray, And higher every day, And wiser, blessed Lord, In Thy precious, holy Word.
Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit, Take me deeper still, Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus, And His perfect will.
Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials, Deeper let me go! Rooted in the holy love of Jesus, Let me fruitful grow
~ Charles P. Jones ~ 1900
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