Something Big...

Have you ever pondered the depths and fullness of God? I tried this for the first time last year during a class at work and it has been very powerful. When you first try emotions and thoughts run wild. For me, I was overwhelmed, perplexed and so much more all at the same time. First, the Bible says all over that God is unsearchable. I was overwhelmed because I entered into a realm that is bigger than I can comprehend. Second I was perplexed because I engaged with a task that is impossible. Even in our redeemed sinless bodies it will take eternity to search God out.

And then I calmed down. God whispered to me that He enjoyed me being in this realm and activity. The saints of old and new engage in this. He enjoys us meditating on his fullness and his depths. A peace began to rush over me. Peace seems to be a paradox here but our infinite God is a God of peace. I began to see an ocean. This ocean is a representation of His depths and fullness. I began to see this not because He is literally an ocean, but because this is the only way for my finite mind to grasp even a small part of the task that I am taking on.

This ocean metaphor keeps coming up. A coworker and friend of mine was watching a surfing documentary and began to draw the same parallels as I did. You get in there and begin to surf and you are overwhelmed. There is only water around you. A force that is overpowering and not in the least bit partial to who you are. There is no plan B. But at the same time you are joyous and peaceful. You are out there to have fun, and while it is dangerous it is also good. Everything else in the world falls away. At this point, your unpaid bills, your next meal, the fight you had with a close friend all pass away. You are focused on the task at hand. To enjoy being engulfed in this powerful thing that is so far beyond us.

Here's the difference though. Surfing is enjoyed for a few brief moments. Waves are also impersonal. God is always present, eternal and most of all personal.

Take a few minutes and try this. Its easy. Calm yourself down and think about God. Think about creation and his power. Meditate on His wisdom. Most of all, try to know His love the surpasses knowledge. It will rock your face off.

If you get a little bolder contemplate the fact that that fullness is supposed to dwell within us.