Water-Deeper-Higher Part 1

I will be writing at least two parts that go with this topic: first of all, there needs to be background explained (not too much, don't worry!), then the most recent development, and then (which I am still working on) I will be sharing some Biblical studies I did on the topic.  

So to begin, at the New Year's worship that our youth group had, Ryan played a bunch of songs that had been special to us throughout 2014.  As I listened (songs such as "Oceans," "Sinking Deep," "You Make me Brave," etc.), I realized a common theme to the songs and then I realized it was also present just in what God was doing: water, waves, etc.  I mentioned it to Miranda and she agreed.  

Next came what happened at the youth retreat, which I mentioned in the post "Refreshing Joy."  But in case you didn't read that, or you need a refresher on it, here it is again.

During a pause in worship, Kyle told Miranda and I that he got a picture of a key at the bottom of a body of water and we had the key, and there were doors that only we could open.  That was pretty awesome.  Then Ryan played "Oceans" and then "Sinking Deep," and when "Sinking Deep" started (we can tell what songs they are within the first few seconds on most songs!) Kyle and I just looked at each other and laughed at how amazing God was - Ryan doesn't just pick songs to play, he plays whatever he feels God is leading him to.  That's part of the beauty of our worship times!  

During the time of those songs, I wrote, "Lord, I don't want to be afraid of the deepest, purest waters that you are drawing me out into, God - give me bone-shaking peace and courage to go where you call me Father.  Let me hear you so clearly that all borders and walls come crashing down, good for nothing more than raising the water level even higher."  

After those two songs were played, Miranda told Kyle and I that she got a vision of stars, as in a galaxy.  Immediately Kyle responded, as thought it is the ultimate and only definition:

"We are going to the deepest of the deep and highest of the high."

Well, after we talked about that for a little bit, the three of us sat down to pray about it, and it turned into something incredible.  Once we returned from the youth retreat, I was still thinking about this water/deeper/higher theme that seemed to be happening in my life.  So I started looking into it, both musically, prayerfully, and biblically.

I will present some of my other findings in another post, but I will say, all of a sudden I found a bunch of songs that really spoke to this!  Songs such as "Called Higher," a spontaneous worship by Bethel called "Drip, drip, drop," "Endless Oceans," "Redemption Rain," and "Deep Cries Out."

That's all for this post, but look for the upcoming continuations!