April 29, 2006 Lifted From The DepthsREAD: Psalm 40:1-5 I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit. Psalm 40:1-2 |
A British submarine lay disabled on the ocean floor. Several days passed and the crew lost hope of being rescued. The prospect was especially dim because they had not been able to communicate their exact position to ships on the surface. The commanding officer explained to the men that they didnt have much longer to live, and he suggested that they sing a hymn. So together, they sang these words: "The darkness deepensLord, with me abide."
As the oxygen supply began to run out, the men gradually weakened. One sailor was affected more quickly than the others and lurched forward, crashing against the vessels surfacing equipment. Suddenly the faulty mechanism began to operate, and the vessel slowly rose from the ocean floor. They all made it back to port safely.
Greater than any deliverance from a literal sea is Gods provision for those who are trapped in the ocean of unbelief. Only a miracle of grace can bring us out of the pit of sin and degradation.
If you are caught in the grip of sin, Jesus alone can give you a new start. If you put your trust in the Savior, you will be lifted out of the waters of judgment and into the sunlight of Gods forgiveness.
From sinking sand He lifted me,
With tender hand He lifted me;
From shades of night to plains of light,
O praise His name, He lifted me! Gabriel
Gods grace can lift you from the plight of sin into the light of salvation.
Todd Heisler The Rocky Mountain News
The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. "I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it," she said. "I think that's what he would have wanted."