Diving Deeper
Today found me on the warpath. On a scale of one- to-ten, the internet was winning itself a big fat zero in my book. I was convinced that my invisible foe—that Goliath called cyberspace, online world of computer network, whatever! —stole one of my previously-posted blogs like it stole some of my music, my pictures, my e-mails. Somewhere floating around on that picture-grubbing cloud, are images of my grandmother’s house, my father’s childhood home, and photos of an entire town. They’re being held hostage. To aggravate me further, the internet refused me access altogether. I was ready to go toe to toe with the thing (if it had had toes), and give it my reversed blessing. As it turned out, I had forgotten that I changed my blog’s title before posting it. Regarding the off-line/on-line problem, the jury is still out.
Although I’m not normally at a loss for words when the right chord is struck, today I wanted to build upon a previous post. Even seasoned bloggers republish. Why not this newbie to blogging? After all, every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar] (Matthew 13:52). New revelation builds upon old.
In a nutshell, my blog entitled Dive In (September 25, 2020) is about diving deeper with God. Life on this earth is big—too big, too complex—to survive it on our own. Problems, like ocean waves, come one right after another. Except these waves are unpredictable, often violent and insurmountable. Unlike skilled surfers, we feel the pressure, anxiety, and fears associated with not knowing how to read each problematic wave, much less know how to ride them safely to shore. It is little wonder people drown in the attempt.
That’s why—especially now—our inner life with Jesus is so vital. People can only ride this world’s swells for so long before they either crash and burn. Or they can dive in deeper with God and find that Life is going on undisturbed beneath the churning, crashing surface.
A friend told me she feels that the church is “going from Isaiah 26:20–21 to Isaiah 27:1, where out of our being in isolation in prayer for a season, God is about to slay the enemies of His bride”. Come, my people, enter your chambers And shut your doors behind you, Hide for a little while Until the [LORD’S] wrath is past. Listen carefully, the LORD is about to come out of His [heavenly] place To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their wickedness [their sin, their injustice, their wrongdoing]; The earth will reveal the [innocent] blood shed upon her And will no longer cover her slain (vs.20–21).
If the church has been “in isolation in prayer for a season” (which is the case for many of us), and if God is about to come out of His heavenly place to slay His enemies (which He must do eventually, because a just God must uphold justice, Romans 3:22–26)—then our isolation is not for naught. Our time of seclusion, of social distancing, and restrictions has not been a time of cowering before Covid. Nor are we being controlled by the enemy of our faith. It’s been purposeful, (to equip us for the next season). It’s been protective, and thank God, temporary (for a little while). Where exactly we go from here, I’m not sure. What specific seasons we will experience after this, God knows.
But I do know that as clashes between light and dark ramp up, as the waves and swells of God dealing with the world’s sin, and injustice, and wrongdoing become more violent, time spent with Christ is never wasted. Deeper revelations that were previously hidden, are now being revealed to His church (1 Corinthians 2:6–16 AMP). A higher wisdom is being imparted.
Think about what transpires while in our chambers with Him:
While the worldly store up treasures on earth (Proverbs 11:28)—the church is accumulating heavenly treasures (Matthew 6:19–21).
While the nations take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed (Psalm 2:1–3))—the church is meeting with her Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).
While heathen rage and shake their fists at heaven (Psalm 2:1)—the church is kissing the Son and being blessed (vs.12).
While the world teaches human wisdom and philosophy (1 Corinthians 2:13; Colossians 2:8)—the Holy Spirit is teaching the church the wisdom which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification (1 Corinthians 2:7,10–13 AMP; John 14:26).
While the world grows weary and faints in the frenzy—the church is waiting on the Lord and renewing her strength (Isaiah 40:29–31; Psalm 84:7).
While the world’s paths in life wind about aimlessly (Proverbs 5:6 AMP)—the church is returning to the ancient paths . . . and is finding rest for her soul (Jeremiah 6:16).
While the world’s hunger and thirst increases (Psalm 107: 4)—the church’s hunger and thirst are being satisfied (Matthew 5:6).
While the world sits in darkness (Psalm 107:10)—the church is in the presence of the Light of Life (John 8:12).
While the world’s defenses are breaking down (Proverbs 25:28)—the church’s defense is the Lord (Psalm 27:5, 34:7; Matthew 16:18).
While the world’s secrets are being exposed (Isaiah 26:21)—God’s secrets are being revealed to His church. Nothing is hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known (Mark 4:22 AMP).
While life to the nonbeliever becomes increasingly hollow (Ecclesiastes 1:2)—the church is being enriched by him (1 Corinthians 1:4–9).
While the world grows dull and lethargic (1 Thessalonians 5:6)—the church is waking up (Ephesians 5:14) and becoming fervent in spirit (Romans 12:11; Titus 2:14).
While the love of many grows colder (Matthew 24:12)—the church is increasing and abounding in love for one another, and for all people . . . (Ephesians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:12).
While the world’s beauty is reduced to ashes (2 Peter 3:7)—the church’s ashes are being made beautiful (Isaiah 61:3).
While the world’s hopes are being dashed (Ephesians 2:12)—the church’s hopes are abounding (Romans 15:13).
While the world grows more agitated (Psalm 65:7 Psalm 74:23)—the church is experiencing peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7; John 14:27).
While the world and all its lusts pass away—the obedient church abides (remains) forever (1 John 2:17–18).
While Satan’s strongholds are being destroyed—of the increase of God’s government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7). Jesus is building His church upon the rock of revelation that He is the Christ the Son of the living God. The gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:16–19).
I could go on but you get my drift. Diving deeper with God in this season is a win/win situation any way you look at it.
Happy diving!