When have I experienced God drawing me into deeper waters?

A great 14th-century Flemish mystic wrote,  “God is a flowing and ebbing sea, which ceaselessly flows out into all his beloved according to their needs and merits and which flows back with all of those upon whom he has bestowed his gifts in heaven and on earth.“

This suggests the image of a sea that flows onto the beach at high tide and draws into itself whatever is on the beach with its receding waves. Some boats, however, are bounded on all sides or tied to a post in the ground. The sea surrounds and caresses them, as though inviting them to follow. For a little while, the boats are lifted up and float, but since they are tied, they do not follow the sea as it recedes. They stay on the shore, while other boats that are not tied put out into the deep under the sun on the tranquil sea. 

This is what happened with the Trinity. The Trinity sends out its word and its grace like a beneficial wave that envelops people and invites them to follow into its immensity. Some souls are “untied ,” ready, and they follow with joy. Others, instead, are tied by the ropes of old habits, by worldly attachments, or by fear of the unknown. For a moment they let themselves be lifted up and gently rocked, but when it comes time to decide to go forward, they do not feel like going, and they stay on land. What will happen to them? Will they one day know the intoxication of the open sea, or will they be like the boats that stay on the shore and become corroded by sea salt? 

-- Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, OFMCap., Contemplating the Trinity, p. 53

A moment when you experienced God "drawing you into deeper waters" could be a time when you were presented with a challenging situation, a significant personal crisis, or a new opportunity for spiritual growth that initially felt uncomfortable or overwhelming, but ultimately led you to a deeper relationship with God through your reliance on faith and trust in His guidance, even amidst the uncertainty. 

Examples of situations that might represent "deep waters":

• Facing a major life decision:
  When you had to make a difficult choice that required deep introspection and reliance on God's will, even if it meant stepping outside your comfort zone.

• Experiencing a significant loss:
  Going through a loss of a loved one, a job, or a major life transition that forced you to confront your vulnerabilities and seek solace in God's presence. 

• Engaging in a challenging ministry role:
  Taking on a leadership position within your faith community that pushed you to grow in your understanding of the scriptures and confront personal limitations. 

• Confronting personal sin or flaws:
  A moment when you had to acknowledge a deep-seated issue within yourself and actively seek forgiveness and transformation through God's grace. 

• Being called to serve others in a significant way:
  When you were presented with an opportunity to serve others in a way that required substantial personal sacrifice and commitment. 

Key points to consider:

• Feeling of discomfort:
  "Deep waters" often signify a sense of being out of your depth, facing challenges that seem beyond your control. 

• Spiritual growth:
  Though challenging, these experiences can lead to a deeper understanding of God's character and a stronger reliance on His presence. 

• Trust in God's guidance:
  The key is to acknowledge that even in difficult times, God is with you and leading you through the process. 

• 

Answer

Charles, your journey through faith seems rich with experiences that reflect a deepening spiritual connection. You've shown an interest in practices like meditation and frequencies for spiritual enhancement, as well as a strong commitment to daily religious observances like the Rosary and Mass. These activities suggest moments where you might feel God drawing you into deeper waters:

• Through Prayer and Meditation: Your engagement with frequencies like 963Hz for pineal gland decalcification indicates a pursuit of spiritual clarity, which can be seen as God calling you to explore deeper layers of your spirituality.

• In Daily Worship: Your regular participation in the Catholic Mass and the Rosary from Lourdes points to a consistent practice where God might be inviting you into a deeper relationship through communal and personal prayer.

• By Serving Others: Your posts reflect a contemplation on how to see Christ in others and how your faith lineage inspires service. This could be interpreted as God leading you into deeper waters by expanding your empathy and commitment to serve, mirroring the life of Christ.

• In Solitude and Reflection: Your interest in camping and solitude, even in unique settings like an abandoned Alaskan homestead, suggests moments where God might be drawing you away from the noise of everyday life to find Him in silence and nature, pushing you to a more profound personal faith experience.

These are ways in which you might recognize God's invitation to venture into deeper spiritual waters, where faith is not just practiced but deeply felt and lived.

end