We stood on this hill in Managua last summer and looked down at a lake. It was very difficult to see from where we were, but there was a thin cable that circled the lake. Hanging from the platform beneath us was a contraption of sorts -- like the kind of harness used to climb mountains -- attached to a pulley that then would roll along that cable. A passenger could be suspended from the cable and for a breathtaking half hour or so receive the scenic ride of a lifetime. A young man tried for several minutes to get one of us to try the ride. There were no takers.

For me, the water was simply too deep, the fall too great, the cable too thin and the harness too flimsy to provide me with enough security to prevent a heart attack from the sheer sense of danger.

Deep water is not something that I approach with joy. Sometimes, however, God takes us on an unexpected journey through deep water. On shore once more, there's opportunity to rejoice in the fact that no one loves us like He does.

Deep Waters

Some of you set sail in big ships;

you put to sea to do business in faraway ports.
Out at sea you saw God in action,

saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean:
With a word he called up the wind -

an ocean storm, towering waves!

You shot high in the sky,

then the bottom dropped out;

your hearts were stuck in your throats.
You were spun like a top,

you reeled like a drunk,

you didn't know which end was up.

Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;

he got you out in the nick of time.
He quieted the wind down to a whisper,

put a muzzle on all the big waves.
And you were so glad when the storm died down,

and he led you safely back to harbor.

So thank God for his marvelous love,

for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.
Lift high your praises when the people assemble,

shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!

Psalm 107:23-32 The Message