Tonight, as we headed home from a beautiful dinner with our youngest son and his girlfriend, we were listening to “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED.  As I sang along, I began reminiscing on the time when I first felt God moving through me.  I remember every single time we sang “Oceans” in church, I would feel the Holy Spirit move within me.  My hands would tremble as my heart raced with excitement. 

Singing in  that moment, I never realized the truths behind the lyrics.  I didn’t see that God had been drawing me nearer to the waters, but in my own hesitation I stayed on shore.  It was safer in my eyes.  I didn’t have to give up anything.  I didn’t have to constantly feel like I had to meet a specific standard.  I didn’t have to feel like I needed to have it all together, because clearly I didn’t.  I wanted to stay on the sandy beach feet away from the water.  Almost as though I was afraid of something.

But why be afraid?  I didn’t get it.  I didn’t get what I was going through until the day I surrendered to Him.  I allowed God in.  I took His hand and not just stepped into the waters…I submerged myself deep in those waters.  Despite the waves, despite the depth, I was all in.  And it felt great!  What had I been thinking having so many reservations?  Why had I wasted so many years drawing away from God, instead of just trusting Him and following wherever He led me?

When I sang tonight, I smiled.  A smile that said Thank You Father.  A smile that said, I surrendered and I am proud I did.  I sang tonight a new song.  This time looking at where God will lead me next.  Where will God take me?  I don’t worry nor fear, I stand ready to go into deeper waters.  Ready to take His hand, knowing with all my heart that where He leads will only be greater than where I am today.

Don’t allow those fears to keep you from God’s goodness.  Trust that where He leads, God will provide.  Where He leads, will only be greater than where you are today.  Allow yourself to go into deeper waters.  Allow yourself to break free from the hesitation that has hindered you from surrendering your all to God.  

Take me Father, into deeper waters.  “Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander.”

XOXO…Ileen

psst…God Loves You