More and more people can’t wait to put their diving suits on, and to explore the world of colour beneath the waves, rather as more and more people are eager to encounter the Lord more in richer ways. Both examples remind us that we are invited not to remain at familiar and comfortable shallow superficial levels, but to explore the depths beyond with the Lord. In spiritual terms, it would be easy to get caught up in external rituals, busy work, and trust in our dogmas; pushing beyond that means opening ourselves more fully to the Lord’s presence and inspection, with all the joys and vulnerability that this brings. But this is where greater insight as well as joys and discoveries happen. And, like diving, this requires awareness, preparation and discipline.

Divers regularly check their air supply and depth; we too must check from time to time that we are not proceeding purely in our own strength, and falling into the trap of self-reliance. Trying to go deep without community, guidance, and profound immersion in the Scriptures all too often leads either to some form of spiritual burnout – or indeed to delusion. Some, like divers who ascend too quickly and get the bends, crave intense emotional or mystical experiences without laying the groundwork of quiet, steady daily practice. Going deep requires deliberate care and intention, and much stillness, routine, and patience, rather than sudden emotional peaks.

Divers have to watch out for such obstacles and for not getting the bends, and there are spiritual traps that we too must watch out for and push on beyond as we seek to go deeper with the Lord. I explored many of these dangers and distractions in Intimacy and Eternity, which I wrote for the benefit of those who were feeling the call to go deeper with the Lord, and to explore the process by which the Lord makes us our soul more ‘watertight,’ and able to thrive and function in His environment.

Where and how did you go deepest with the Lord? As the result of His sovereign leading and intervention? Or through having to dig deep in times of adversity?

I wonder if you can identify any specific ‘distraction’ that feels like the biggest obstacle for you going deeper with the Lord right now? What might the Lord say to you about it?