The Deeps

This spring has brought many days of snow. Almost daily it continues to accumulate. And now the deeps have come. The white fluff has risen to the point of making it difficult to maneuver the driveway, the paths, the corral. And for my small dog, Sienna, the deeps literally mean being overwhelmed by snow. As I turn around to see where she is, the snow is crowding around her chest and neck. The only way she can continue is for me to bend down and pluck her out of the depth.

"I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me." Psalm 30:1 NIV Like Sienna in the snow, I have often felt overwhelmed by the deep places and circumstances in life.

When we first purchased our present home, the owner had been untruthful concerning repairs done to the roof and within our first two months, as residents, it required thirty thousand dollars in repairs. We did not have thirty thousand dollars.

I also worked at a job for three years where I was bullied constantly. I fought despair daily but there were no other employment opportunities and I needed to work.

A family member betrayed us and we lost our home. We wondered where we would go or what we would do with the limited funds that remained.

Yes, I am familiar with the deeps as I'm sure you are too. In fact you may be in the deeps right now. You may be wondering how you will go on, how you will get out of or through the situation. If this is true then I encourage you to do what the Lord encouraged me to do amidst the deeps. Thank Him in all things, for He is aware of your situation and He is able to help you. Remember as the psalmist says in Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." NIV Dwell on the hope which is yours in Christ Jesus not on the deeps which surround you. By so doing your heart will, one beat at a time; indeed begin to leap for joy and thanksgiving as you place your faith anew in God's goodness and mercy. His answer may not come immediately, but wait for Him and it will come. And the situation may be a long and slow journey to overcome, but don't give up, keep going and you will be an over comer. And in the end, like Psalm 30:11-12 states, "Your song too shall be: You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever." NIV Prayer: Lord God how good it is to praise and thank You amidst any and all situations. We may not always understand the why of what is happening, but we can always know and trust in the truth of Your word and the promise of Your helping and saving presence to be with us always. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps Atlin, B.C.