I find God is calling me yet again to dive deeper to discover more of Him.
I would not have ordinarily watched a program on Free Diving…an extreme sport, of underwater deep diving that relies on breath-holding until resurfacing rather than using scuba gear. Called “The Deepest Breath”, this documentary showed this discipline is for those with a love for challenging the very limits of their body’s capabilities, mentally, physically and I would daresay, spiritually as it requires tapping into a “space” within, only accessible in the moment of the deep dive. The immersion in deep water affects the body’s physiology limiting the depth and duration possible and high ambient pressure pulls the body downwards making the descent easier but the ascent challenging.
I watched in awe at the discipline of training required to allow the body to cope with the pressures of deep water by slowing the heart rate, stilling the mind to keep from panicking and taking a breath as the body craves oxygen and timing the ascent to the surface so as not to black out before surfacing. Wearing only a wetsuit and a head torch the diver follows an anchored guide rope to the set depth, where attached tear-off tags await the divers to take as a validation of their successful dive back to the surface. Then, on ascent the guide rope is used to hold to help propel them to the surface.
Many divers dive into dark waters searching for “GOD” with offers of alternate guides to Divine discovery and enlightenment. There are innumerable experts on how to attain it. Wandering into some of the murky waters of claims of self-determination they miss the very guide rope and interaction with God they had begun to search for and lose themselves totally, deceived by the Look-alike guide rope of New Age philosophies and religious rhetoric. They entice them to change direction and follow their particular diver or rope, either into the depths of deceitfulness or the surface of distractions and/or disappointment.
Psalm 119:105 “Your Word (God’s Word) is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path”.
It was in this context that I was given this word from God.
“Take a deep dive into My presence today. Leave the world and all its distractions at the surface. Dare to take a deep breath and leave behind all that is familiar and comfortable in exchange for a time of silence in the dark…for it is here that all you need will be birthed in that slowing of your heart…that immersion of your soul with mine.
I will guide you into that place of deep connection. You are anchored in the reality of the world in which you exist….it is your time and place to return to but follow the guide-rope of My Word into the depths of My love for you, for it is here I am waiting for you to come. In your decision to and desire to dive deeper into Me and take what you deem to be a risk in your extraction from all your external surroundings and to let go of it for a time, you will immerse your being in the loving silence of My Being……a soul exchange. This will be a time of trusting that in those moments, where in your passion to “Be” with Me and experience the overwhelming connection that is the sacrifice of you to become one with Me, will become a cherished moment of touching Heaven’s heart. It is experiencing the Divine…tapping into My Essence and Being, filling you, preparing you for your return to the surface. In that return, you must bring with you that which you have known and experienced in that time spent with Me.
So, journey into this quiet place to be transformed and filled with the drive, determination and desire to dive again…and again…. each time finding new passion to experience more so you can walk in the world once you return…full of the Holy Spirit and quiet confidence in your ever-increasing capacity to dive into the depths of My Presence, lingering longer and longer. The desire for the Divine encounter will drive your need for more of Me so you have greater depths of knowledge and experience to pass on…to encourage others to bravely take the plunge to know me more.
I understand it begins with small exposures, ever-increasing in duration with discipline, desire, tolerance and understanding of the value of the exercise. Be brave to take to the depths of Me and I will bless you and others in the process.
Come. Dive deep. Be still and immersed in the silence and know the blessing of your sacrifice of self at the surface of your life in exchange for the depths of relationship with Me.”
- Proverbs 8:17 ” I will show my love to those who passionately love me. They will search and search continually until they find me.”
- Psalm 119:2 ” What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God, those who seek Him as their heart’s passion.”
- Psalm 119:10 ” I have longed for you with the passion of my heart. Don’t let me stray from your directions.”
Acknowledgements and Thanks:
To my mentors, spiritual guides, truth tellers and those honest souls who challenge my thinking and statements, open my eyes to new and deeper perceptions and encourage me to search the heart and Word of God, I thank you and thank God for you.
Jeff Roorda, Anna Mellor, Felicity McDonald, Lyn Henderson, Kris Thornton
References:
- Netflix Documentary: “The Deepest Breath.” Director: Laura McGann
- The Holy Bible: The Passion Translation New International Version
- Photo Acknowledgement: Jakob Boman unsplash.com/photos/Td9fnTMHuOA
- Photo Acknowledgement: NEOM Made to Change unsplash.com/photos/dulVtESluoM
Dearest Naomi
What an amazing encounter you are having with the Lord!
I want it too and I need it desperately !
Thank you Naomi
You are my inspiration
God bless
Natee