Deep Waters

Our Purpose Shines Even in the Darkness

2021 came in like a swinging pendulum, quickly dragging my heart from grief to celebration and back again. When we step into a season of extreme emotional processing it can surround our identity in a fog of feelings as opposed to the clarity of steadfast purpose. At least that’s how I’ve felt these past several months.

I found myself sinking into the loneliness of compounded grief and began to forget my “why”. Why was I created? What was the purpose behind seeing so much pain? And just when I thought no one could hear my quiet panic, Jesus sent friends and loved ones to remind me I was more than a live-wire of emotions—I was a daughter of the King called to use my gifts to impact those around me for His glory. God gave them insight into the deep waters of my heart when I was too weak to look for myself.

Proverbs 20:5b says “the purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters.” When it comes to identifying and pursuing our purpose in different seasons of life, we are lovingly called to be a part of a greater story, drawn from deep wells of divine purpose. When we find ourselves blindsided, we need people who can draw out of us reminders of the purpose God has placed within us. Our purpose and vulnerability flow together. We can’t have a deep understanding of anyone without being vulnerable. This verse is a beautiful invitation to be a part of each other’s story. We need one another on a purpose level, not just a relational level. I’ll admit it doesn't always feel good to hear the truth of your purpose. I don’t want to hear how strong I am when I’ve been stuck in bed all day. I don’t want to hear I’m called to help women receive God's love and forgiveness when I’ve recently been wounded by a friend I’ve been helping. I don’t want to hear the truth of the purpose that resides within my heart because sometimes it’s too painful to recall beauty when covered in ashes.

We all need to be reminded that no matter how dark the valley, it will never overcome the purpose that resides deep within the waters of our hearts.