"Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul." Psalm 69:1
A flood of "overflowing waters" was a familiar Hebrew figure for the calamities of life which often threaten to drown the soul in misery and despair. David in Psalm 69 expresses the frantic cry of one who is so beset by trial that he immediately recognizes that only God can possibly help and deliver him. Many of us can echo David's petition of distress, for we too have experienced "sorrows like sea billows" that have ominously threatened to engulf our soul. Yet when He who is love dwells within, we may be confident that the waters of distress will never completely overflow us. Indeed, we are assured in His Word that "Many waters cannot quench (His) love, neither can the floods drown it" (Song of Solomon 8:7).
A jeweler gives as one of his surest tests for diamonds, the so-called "trial by water" experiment. He says, "An imitation diamond is never so brilliant as a genuine stone. If your eye is not experienced enough to detect the difference, a simple test is to place the jewel in question under water. The light of an imitation stone when submerged will be practically extinguished, while a genuine diamond will sparkle and remain distinctly visible. The contrast is so marked that none can mistake the counterfeit." So, too, many seem joyful and confident as long as they have no trials in this life; but as soon as the waters of sorrow begin to flow about them, their faith loses its brilliancy. Those, however, who have been fortified in advance by laying up in their heart the precious promises of the Word, and who have appropriated more fully the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, will shine forth in the "deep water test" as genuine jewels of the King!
"Bread For Each Day"
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