Most church-goers and Christ-worshippers may have listened to this widely known hit by Hillsong United: 'Oceans'. It's been one of the most played and most covered worship songs since 2013. I personally have played the song almost a thousand times on my music player. This song repeatedly brings me into a state of worship. I wonder, though, if those who listen to it pay careful attention to the lyrics. When we sing 'Oceans' and use the lyrics as our prayer, do we really mean it?
If we truly mean what we sing, our lives will never be the same. When we pray for Divine intervention, we are signing up for a life changing mystery—a place where our feet may fail and fear surrounds us. Are we ready to leave what is familiar to wherever God calls and leads us?
If we want to walk upon the water, very rarely will it happen during tranquility and bright sunny day. Jesus (and Peter) walked upon the water on a frightening stormy night. In the same way, real faith is tested where our trust is without borders, not when it is easy to trust or when we are comfortable. Comfort does not compel us to grow. We could still rely on our strength when everything is secure and predictable. Our faith is made stronger only in the presence of God and the absence of self-reliance.
Keep that in mind each time we listen to 'Oceans'. It's a profound song that shouldn't be taken lightly. Take heart when we are in deep waters and struggling to keep our eyes above the waves. God has promised abounding grace and His sovereign hand to guide us through it all. He can be trusted and we can rest our soul in His safe embrace .
"Not what we do for God but what God does for us—that’s the agenda for rejoicing."
As for the coming year, these are the verses that I'll keep in my heart and mind:
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills;”
—Deuteronomy 8:2, 6-7
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