The Depth Desired

Veteran running back, Arian Foster, signed with the Miami Dolphins yesterday in order for the team to have more depth in their running game. With so many injuries in the NFL, teams do their best to have multiple players at each position who they feel can contribute. As teams are preparing for training camp in a couple of weeks, coaches are looking at their rosters to determine how deep each position group looks on paper. The Dallas Cowboys seem very positive about their wide receivers, with Derek Dooley calling them “probably the deepest” group “top-to-bottom” since he became Wide Receivers’ Coach in 2013. NFL teams find value in knowing they have the depth needed at key positions to compete at a high level. During the season, it’s easy to spot the weak teams who lack depth because they struggle to keep winning when injuries affect their starters. I think the idea of having depth translates to other areas of life...especially as followers of Jesus. Do we have shallow or deep relationships with the people in our lives? Do we have deep friendships or do we only talk sports with them? Do we stay on the surface with our neighbors and only ask them about the weather, or do we take it a step further and ask more thoughtful questions? Do we stick to “business talk” with our co-workers or do we go deeper when given the opportunity? Are we falling more deeply in love with our spouse each day? Our strongest desire should be to have a deep union with Jesus while constantly strengthening our love and understanding of Him. God’s profound character is way beyond the surface, and whenever we spend time with Him, we can have a deeper knowledge and appreciation of His greatness. Romans 11:33 (NASB) says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Thankfully, we serve a huge God whose power and love are endless. As we dive deeper into our pursuit of Him, let’s embrace a life that is overflowing with His goodness instead of settling for a shallow view of our Almighty God. Let’s also represent depth in all areas of our life.  I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the desire to pursue You more and more. Help me not to settle for a shallow life or a shallow view of You. Give me eyes to see the depth of Your greatness and power and a heart that is deeply in love with You. I pray that my other relationships will be deep and meaningful, as well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.