Finding Meaning and Strength in Life’s Storms
Sometimes, life feels like being caught in the middle of a relentless storm. Imagine yourself in a tiny boat on a raging sea, with waves crashing over you one after another. It’s exhausting, overwhelming, and feels like it will never end. That’s the kind of struggle we’re talking about here. It’s not just a single challenge or setback. It’s a series of difficulties that pile on top of each other and leave you gasping for air.
The Depths of Struggle
The word “depth” is powerful. It paints the picture of being pulled into the darkest parts of the ocean. These are the most dangerous places where you feel small. You feel helpless and lost. These aren’t just surface-level problems; they’re deep, consuming issues that leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Sometimes, it’s not even the size of the waves that’s the problem. It’s the relentless way they keep coming, one after another. They don’t give you a chance to recover.
What’s even more striking is the idea that these challenges seem to “call out” to one another. It’s as if they’re pulling more troubles into your life. It’s like each problem invites another, creating a chain reaction that feels impossible to stop. If you’ve endured tough times, this image of unending waves feels all too familiar. The waves keep hitting you again and again.
Under God’s Watch
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. These struggles, as overwhelming as they may feel, aren’t random. They’re described as “the floods of God,” meaning they’re under God’s control. This doesn’t mean they’re punishments meant to harm you. Instead, they’re seen as tools or lessons designed to remind us of something deeper: humility and trust.
Think about it this way: when life gets chaotic, our first instinct is often to try and fix everything ourselves. We take on the weight of the world, thinking we can handle it all. But these struggles are a reminder that we’re not in control of everything. They encourage us to look beyond ourselves. We learn to recognize our limits. We lean on something greater—on God, on others, on faith.
It’s not easy to see struggles this way when you’re in the middle of them. They can feel cruel, unfair, and overwhelming. But, as hard as it is to believe, they’re often opportunities for growth. They’re moments that teach us patience, resilience, and, most importantly, humility.
The Danger of Ignoring the Signs
Another key idea is that these waves of struggle often come with a warning. When life gets tough, it’s a signal that something needs to change. Maybe it’s a reminder to slow down, to reevaluate your priorities, or to turn to God for guidance. But the text also warns us that people often ignore these signs. They dismiss them as bad luck or random misfortune, without stopping to reflect on what they might mean.
When we take these warnings lightly, the storms can intensify. It’s like ignoring the weather report and heading out to sea despite warnings of a hurricane. The challenges don’t stop until we address the root of the problem. We must turn our focus to God. We need to seek peace and resolution.
What Does “Deep Calls to Deep” Really Mean?
One of the most poetic phrases used to describe this experience is “Deep calls to deep,” from Psalm 42:7. On the surface, it might sound mysterious or even confusing, but its meaning is both profound and relatable. It describes the connection between two deep things. This includes the deep need or longing within us that calls out to God’s deep power and mercy.
Breaking It Down
- Metaphorical Significance: The phrase is a metaphor. It illustrates how the deepest parts of us—our fears, pains, and desires—seek an equally deep response. This response can be like God’s love and strength.
- Context in Psalm 42: The psalmist uses this phrase to describe their emotional state. They compare it to the roar of waterfalls. It is also likened to the overwhelming waves of the sea. It’s a cry for help, an acknowledgment of being overwhelmed by life’s trials.
- God’s Response: The psalmist trusts that God’s mercy and power are big enough to meet even their deepest needs. It’s a reminder that no matter how overwhelming your struggles may feel, God is there to provide comfort and deliverance.
In simpler terms, “Deep calls to deep” is like saying, “My deepest troubles need the deepest kind of help.” Only God can provide this help. It’s a reminder that no matter how low you feel, love and strength are there to support you. They are waiting to meet you at your lowest point.
Applying This to Our Lives
So, how can we take these ideas and use them in our own lives? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Recognize the Storm
The first step is to acknowledge when you’re in the middle of a storm. Don’t dismiss your struggles or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, take a moment to reflect on what’s happening in your life and how it’s affecting you.
2. Look for the Lessons
Once you’ve acknowledged your struggles, try to see them as opportunities for growth. What are these challenges trying to teach you? Maybe they’re a reminder to slow down, to ask for help, or to focus on what really matters.
3. Turn to God
When the waves feel too big to handle, don’t try to face them alone. Turn to God for guidance, strength, and comfort. Pray, meditate, or simply take a moment to remind yourself that you’re not alone in this.
4. Stay Humble
Finally, remember that struggles are a reminder of our limits. They’re a way of humbling us, of showing us that we can’t control everything. Embrace this humility and let it guide you toward a deeper trust in God and in the people around you.
Finding Hope in the Depths
Life’s storms are tough, and they can leave you feeling battered and broken. But they’re also opportunities for growth, for connection, and for finding deeper meaning. When you’re caught in the depths, remember that “Deep calls to deep.” Your struggles might feel overwhelming, but they’re also a call—for help, for change, and for hope. And no matter how deep the waters get, there’s always a deeper strength waiting to meet you there.
So the next time life feels like a raging sea, take a moment to pause. Think about what the storm is teaching you. Turn to God for strength. Remember that even in the darkest depths, there’s always hope.
In His Service,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 