Fear of the Deep

 As I write, the invitation to experience the depths of God is in every post.  The reality however is that most of you will not choose to accept it.  This is not to insult you, but rather to reflect the reality that Merton spoke of.  He believed that most people would die before ever experiencing their true self.  Why is this?

In this blog I will reflect on one of the issues that are an obstacle to this experience.  It is a fear of the deep.  Most of us live in a fleshly surface level.  Going to church does not necessarily cure this.  The temptation to get earthbound is powerful.  It is sensory and draws you to experience of immediate gratification and visible world around you.  It is not wrong to live life to the fullest!  As a believer and as a son of God the creator of the universe, He has given you a great capacity for joy and satisfaction.  However, this is not the purpose of life.  In the midst of living and learning you will experience these graces.

But there are moments that we get glimpses of the deep.  Like a shipwreck lying on the ocean floor in clear water something will become clear and will reveal something you need to know at that very moment.  These insights are not random.  God plants these moments as invitations to deeper relationship.  But like diving, it will take more than a snorkel.  It will require a diving suit and air tanks.

The depths invite you, but you know that the path will not be easy.  It will require courage to explore the complexity of you.  It will require that you trust God in the depths without the air tanks.  You must rely on Him to be your all and your provider.  You will be called upon to let go of all the fear that holds you back and to engage fully into union with God.  It will require trust in Him as he uncovers the layers of your deception and reveals your true face.  The face that you chose to hide.  He will expose it for you to see.  But he will only do this with your permission. 

This is an invitation to the deep.  You do not know the treasures that you are missing.  There are no lifejackets or air tanks allowed.  Full submission to your creator is required to guide you on your journey.  Take the plunge!  It is worth it.  Your creator has so much to show you.  He is waiting.