“Watch for shallow waters!”  This statement was an important one.  Looming just below the water’s surface were large rocks that needed to be steered around as our canoe came into their proximity. Being at the front of the canoe I was the one on the lookout.

Shallow waters reminded me of shallow breathing which is often a result of anxiety or stress.  (Have you been there during Covid19?  I have.)  When this happens, it is important to address the concern, to pause and take five minutes to breathe deeply.

The concerns which can surround the word shallow remind me of the words of Jesus.  He spoke of shallow soil.  There is a concern, said Jesus, with shallow soil.  In illustrating this Jesus said that the word of God is like seed that a famer goes forth to sow.  That seed lands on all types of soil, meaning all types of hearts.  It can land on hard trodden down soil where birds eat it very quickly – a heart that doesn’t engage what is heard and the enemy steals it quickly from that life. It can land amongst thorns and weeds – a heart that receives the word but then the worries of life and pleasures of other kinds that seem more important choke it from growing. And, said Jesus, it can land on rocky land with shallow soil.

“Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root” (Matthew 13:5-6). Jesus explained the issue with shallow soil.  He said, “The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away (Matthew 13:20).

Many things of life can steal the truth of the word of God from our hearts and minds.  Covid19 trouble can cause us to doubt.  World concerns can cause us to toss the word we have heard to the side.  Life challenges can cause us to forget what the word has promised. Yet, as we open ourselves to the word, and invite the Spirit of God to etch it deep into our lives, something wonderful happens because roots begin to grow deep.

Right now, I am enjoying the only vegetable I planted - cherry tomatoes.  The fruit is evident. It is possible, said Jesus, for the word to be planted on good soil and produce great fruit. This can happen regardless of the season of life we find ourselves in. “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:22).

Today, may we be extra attentive to shallow soil reminded that there is good soil God longs to cultivate for fruit bearing purposes. 

This song, sung often as a songster (choir) piece invites us to press on in the truths we have heard.  May the fruit of persevering in the word be evidenced in your life and mine today.

691: When You Feel Weakest, Dangers Surround

1. When you feel weakest, dangers surround,
Subtle temptations, troubles abound,
Nothing seems hopeful, nothing seems glad,
All is despairing, everything sad:

Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there's nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.

2. If all were easy, if all were bright,
Where would the cross be, and where the fight?
But in the hardness, God gives to you
Chances of proving that you are true.

Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there's nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.

3. God is your wisdom, God is your might,
God's ever near you, guiding aright;
He understands you, knows all you need;
Trusting in Him you'll surely succeed.

Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there's nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.

4. Let us press on then, never despair,
Live above feeling, victory's there;
Jesus can keep us so near to Him
That nevermore our faith shall grow dim.

Keep on believing, Jesus is near;
Keep on believing, there's nothing to fear;
Keep on believing, this is the way;
Faith in the night as well as the day.

Lord Jesus, you plant the seed of life, your word, into hearts.  Today we would confess that it is easy for the truths of your word to be trampled, choked out, or even stolen because of various life circumstances that invade our hearts and lives.  By your Spirit cultivate the soil of our hearts, stir it up so that it is not shallow.  Make our lives fit to grow deep roots and lasting fruit for our good and your glory. AMEN

If you would like to hear the song sung you can google “Keep on Believing - Derby Central Songsters of The Salvation Army.”

With care and in prayer,