Deep Calls Unto Deep by James Ryle

“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”           (Psalm 27:8, English Standard Version).

The New Living Translations says, “My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” There is an old saying, “Deep calleth unto deep.” It suggests that something deep within us is ever hungering after, and always listening for that Voice that gives us life.

This aptly fits many of us today who remember the beginnings of our journey with Jesus. The move of the Spirit was strong and widespread, the preaching of the Word was without manipulation, and Worship was innocent — unchained from the love of money.

But these days now are rather mediocre in comparison. The presses are filled with over-stated claims of how God is moving here and there, while people are running to and fro to jump in the river. Preaching has all but been stripped of prophetic power, opting instead for power-point presentations that give neat and tidy tips on how to improve just about anything in your life. And, as for worship — send in the clowns! Is this the church, or a club reviewing the latest trends in bands and fashion? Is it possible to be too hip to be holy? Too relevant to be reverent? Too cool to be Christlike?

Deep calls unto deep. We long for a renewal; a return to the days of our first love; a fresh awakening in our fellowship with the Lord. If these longings are present in your heart, then be encouraged — for it is the Lord calling you back!

Back to that place where you delighted in God’s ways and learned how to discern God’s will. Back to that place where you desired God’s Word above all other things, and could always be found doing His work. Back to that place where faith was passionate, and devotions were enlightening. Back to that place where worship was real, and prayer was sweet.

    “Sweet hour of prayer that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the Tempter’s snare by thy return — sweet hour of prayer!

    “Sweet hour of prayer; the joys I feel, the bliss I share with those whose hungry spirits burn with strong desire for Thy return! With such I hasten to the place where God my Savior shows His face. I gladly take my station there, and wait for thee — sweet hour of prayer.

    “Sweet hour of prayer, thy wings shall my petition bear to Him, whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless; and since He bids me seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace — I’ll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee: sweet hour of prayer.”

Deep calleth unto deep. The Lord calling you back! And He is even now awaiting your reply.