Digging Down Deep

Johnny Markin

I recently had the opportunity to fly across Southern Alberta in the dead of winter. The landscape was quite brown and covered with patches of residual snow. This particular corner of Canada has had a period of dry years, leaving them on the knife-edge of drought every spring. And yet, as I envisaged a deluge pouring from the heavens, it occurred to me that there would actually be little benefit for the farmers from such a downpour.

Since the earth below had become dry and dusty, a sudden burst would simply run off and disappear relatively quickly. What was really needed was some large pit dug down deep in the landscape where the fresh waters could gather and be used for irrigation as necessary, bringing life-giving moisture to crops that would eventually bear much fruit.

Our spiritual life is so much like that. Our personal times with God, in prayer and reading of His word, are the opportunities where we take out the spade, pick and shovel and dig a deep holding tank. Our times of worship are when He pours out the rains of His Spirit to a thirsty soul. But we need that reservoir from which to draw fresh inspiration, fresh life for when the days wear on and wear us down!

Take the time, MAKE the time to spend alone with God, and dig down deep in expectancy that He will open the heavens and give you the refreshment your heart and soul so desperately need.

Then you will know the power of renewal... like the Alberta landscape blossoming again in spring!


Johnny Markin - Pastor of Worship & the Arts
Northview Community Church – Vancouver – Canada.