The Depth and Purity

Scriptures: “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure, and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:9-11)

Recently, I took a trip to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and was amazed by the deep blue water in the lake. The ranger told us that the water was so blue because of two reasons: 1) The lake was deep. Crater Lake was said to be the deepest lake in the nation and the seventh deepest lake in the world. 2) The water was very pure. There is no stream or creek that flows into Crater Lake. All water in the lake came from the snow in the winter.

As a result, the water was so blue it matches the blue in the sky. It not only reflects the images of the mountains around it, it also reflects the sky and the clouds above it. Depth and purity are the two factors contributing to the beauty of the lake. How true it is also for our Christian lives.

We pride ourselves as Christians. As such, we are called to bear the image of our Lord Jesus. How do we do that? I think the answer lies in our pursuit of spiritual depth and purity. To pursue spiritual depth, we need to study, meditate, and understand the Word of God; we need to spend time in prayers, in getting close to our Lord; and we need to open our mind and heart to opportunities of serving God and people. We need to cultivate our lives so that the riches of God may flow through us to others around us.

To pursue purity, we need to know what godliness is and be sensitive to sin and all ungodly wickedness; we need to be committed to taking a stand for the person and the truth we believe in; and we need to anchor our faith deep in our Lord Jesus so our lives may be renewed to reflect the image of “the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrew 12:2)

The park rangers said that Crater Lake receives 44 feet of snow each year. This snow pretty covers everything in the national park during the winter and spring seasons. Yet, year after year, this lake comes out the storms amazingly beautiful, simply because of its depth and purity. Let’s cultivate the depth and purity our spiritual lives such they they will shine and glorify their Creator!


Prayer Requests:

Those who are searching for directions for spiritual growth and guidance in ministries and witnesses.

Prayer:

Our gracious Lord, thank You for speaking to us through Your words and Your creation. Help us to keep our eyes and mind open to Your work of wonder in our lives and give us grateful hearts so we know to respond with thanksgiving and praises to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!