My wife, Jeri, and I are certified scuba divers. It is one of our favorite activities to do together. We thrive on the excitement of exploring the underwater world teeming with the life of colorful reefs and exotic fish.
A few years back, while on vacation, we decided to take a day and charter a boat to take us out to a local reef we were told was a top dive site. That morning the sun came up without a cloud in sight. We expected it to be another day in paradise.
We left the boat dock excited to be on our way, looking forward to the adventure that lay ahead. However, as we approached the dive site, the weather started to take a turn.
The sunny sky quickly disappeared as dark storm clouds began to roll in. The wind and the waves started to pick up, and the rain started to fall.
I assumed the dive would be canceled and we would all have to head back to port. To my surprise, the dive instructor dropped the anchor and told the handful of us on the boat to strap into our tanks and prepare to dive.
Puzzled, I looked at the instructor and said, “It looks like it’s about to storm.”
He fired right back, “The fish don’t know that.”
My friend, he was right. As soon as we dove beneath the waves, we found the peace that awaited just a few feet below. For the next 45 minutes, Jeri and I swam with the fish, completely oblivious to the storm that was overhead.
We found the security of being in a deep place.
As you and I embark on a brand new year, we must do so knowing there are trials and tests of various types awaiting us. Regardless of how well your year begins, trust me, there is a storm on its way.
Whether you find yourself tossed about by the waves or settled in the calm of the peaceful depths depends on where you’ve positioned yourself within the Lord.
Though waves may be crashing on the surface of your life, you can have the inward peace of perfect faith in God. Amid the dreary noises of this world, amid its cares and tears, its hot contentions, ambitions and disappointments, you can have an inner calm like the serene ocean depths against which the influence of the wild winds and waves can never prevail!
This is a peace that passes all understanding, a peace that only a true child of God can understand.
This year, put your full trust in the Lord and do not return to the trappings of the world in search of peace. The world can at best offer only a temporary substitute.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27, KJV).
Amongst all your resolutions, may this be the first: Resolve yourself to find the deep place in God’s presence. Daily surrender your fears, doubts and self-sufficiency—anything that troubles your hearts—and daily rely on Him.
Evangelist Steve Hill preached the Brownsville Revival for five years, is pastor emeritus of Heartland World Ministries Church and has authored 13 books, including Spiritual Avalanche.
Curt Landry 
Michael L. Brown 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
