Exploring Spiritual Growth in Simple Terms
Many of us have heard the phrase “going deeper with God,” but what does it truly mean? In simple terms, it’s about growing spiritually, building a closer relationship with God, and experiencing His presence in a way that transforms our lives. The Bible contains many verses that help us understand this concept by painting vivid pictures of a deeper connection with the divine. Let’s break it down so anyone can understand these ideas without getting lost in theological complexity.
What Does “Deep Calling Unto Deep” Mean? (Psalm 42:7)
One of the most famous verses that speaks to this idea is Psalm 42:7:
“Deep calls to deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and Your billows have gone over me.”
This verse uses poetic imagery to describe a profound yearning for God’s presence. Imagine standing by a powerful waterfall, hearing the roaring sound, and feeling overwhelmed by its strength. The “deep” part refers to the depth of God’s Spirit, which is vast and infinite, calling to the depth within us—our soul’s longing for something greater than ourselves.
In layman’s terms: God wants us to experience Him on a deeper level, beyond surface-level faith. It’s like diving into an ocean rather than just wading in a kiddie pool. This deeper relationship involves exploring who God is—His love, power, and character—and allowing those qualities to touch the deepest parts of our being.
The Book of 1 John: A Guide to Going Deeper
The book of 1 John is like a roadmap for how to deepen our relationship with God. It breaks down this idea into practical aspects that anyone can relate to:
· Deep Joy: Imagine the happiness you feel when you achieve something meaningful or spend time with loved ones. Knowing Christ offers a joy that lasts far beyond those moments—a joy rooted in knowing we are loved by God.
· Deep Walk: Think of walking with a close friend who knows your heart. A deep walk with God means living each day in a way that reflects His teachings and staying connected to Him through prayer and action.
· Deep Clean: Consider how refreshing it feels to clean up after a messy day. Recognizing our sins and embracing God’s forgiveness gives us a spiritual clean slate.
· Deep Love: Sacrificial love might sound complicated, but it’s simple in action—helping others, showing kindness, and putting others before ourselves, just as Christ did.
· Deep Hope: Hope isn’t just wishing for something; it’s believing deeply in what’s promised. In this case, it’s the hope of being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
· Deep Truth: Knowing what we believe about Jesus and why it matters keeps our faith grounded and strong.
· Deep Certainty: When we believe in Jesus, we can rest assured in the promise of eternal life. It’s like having a guarantee that brings peace of mind.
In short, 1 John reminds us that going deeper with God involves letting Him touch every part of our lives—from our joy to our struggles—and allowing Him to guide us toward a fuller, richer life.
Discovering the Dimensions of God’s Love (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Another powerful passage is Ephesians 3:14-19. It talks about being “rooted and grounded in love” and understanding the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love. What does that mean for ordinary people?
Imagine a tree with deep roots. Those roots give the tree stability and strength, allowing it to grow tall and wide. Similarly, being rooted in God’s love gives us a strong foundation that helps us grow spiritually.
Now think of trying to measure something enormous, like the universe. That’s the kind of love God has for us—it’s vast, immeasurable, and all-encompassing. The more we connect with Him, the more we can grasp just how incredible His love is.
In everyday terms: When we let God’s love become our foundation, we can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing we are deeply cared for. This love is not just for special moments—it’s for every day, every situation, and every person.
The Vision of Ezekiel’s River (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
In Ezekiel 47:1-12, the prophet describes a vision of a river flowing from the temple. As the river flows, it gets deeper and deeper, until it becomes so deep that Ezekiel has to swim.
This river symbolizes the journey of going deeper with God:
· At ankle-deep: It’s like dipping your toes in the water—getting a taste of God’s presence.
· At knee-deep: You begin to wade in, experiencing more of His blessings and guidance.
· At waist-deep: You feel the current, realizing God’s power and influence in your life.
· Fully immersed: You are swimming in God’s presence, fully surrendering and letting Him take control.
The river also nourishes trees that bear fruit and provide healing. This represents how God’s presence brings life and transformation—not just to us but to those around us.
To put it simply: Going deeper with God is not a one-time event; it’s a process. The more we trust Him and let Him guide us, the more His presence renews and strengthens us in ways we never imagined.
How to “Go Deeper” with God in Your Daily Life
All these verses point to the idea that spiritual growth is about actively seeking God and letting Him work within us. But what does that look like in practical terms? Here are some simple steps anyone can take:
· Read the Bible: Start small—read a few verses each day and think about what they mean for your life.
· Pray regularly: Talk to God like you would to a close friend. Share your thoughts, worries, and gratitude.
· Serve others: Look for ways to show kindness, whether it’s helping a neighbor or volunteering for a good cause.
· Reflect on God’s love: Take time to appreciate how much God cares about you personally.
· Stay connected: Join a community of faith where you can learn and grow alongside others.
Final Thoughts
Going deeper with God is about letting Him into every part of your life and striving to understand His love, guidance, and purpose more fully. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about taking steps toward a closer, more meaningful relationship with Him.
Whether it’s through the powerful imagery of Psalm 42:7, the practical teachings of 1 John, or the life-giving vision of Ezekiel’s river, the Bible provides plenty of inspiration for this journey. The key is to start where you are and keep moving forward, trusting that God will meet you at every step along the way.
In His Service,
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 