DEEP CALLS TO DEEP

“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.”

— Psalm 42:7 (NIVUK)

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIVUK)

It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the end of 2025. As the year winds down, many of us find ourselves reflecting — on what worked, what didn’t, what we’re thankful for, and what we’re hoping for in the year to come.

As I’ve been prayerfully reflecting on this year, one phrase has stayed with me from beginning to end: “Deep calls to deep.” This line from Psalm 42 speaks of a heart crying out for God — a longing not just to know about Him, but to know Him deeply. It is a cry for deeper level of intimacy and friendship with God.

As we step toward 2026, I believe this is exactly what God is calling us into. Rather than simply finishing the year by setting new goals, habits, or resolutions — all of which have their place — perhaps the greatest invitation before us is simply this: “a call to come closer.” To draw nearer to the One who knows us best, loves us most, and is always calling us deeper still.

In James 4:8, we read, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

That’s not just a nice verse — it’s a promise. God’s desire for you and I, isn’t performance or perfection. It’s presence.

He longs for friendship with us.

What Intimacy with God Looks Like

Intimacy simply means friendship with God.

In John 15:15, Jesus says, “I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends.”

Think of your closest friendship. Deep friendship doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through trust, honesty, and time. I love the phrase “In-to-me-see.” That’s what intimacy really means — letting someone see into you. Deep friendship with God works the same way. It’s about being vulnerable before Him and allowing Him to reveal Himself to you. As Psalm 42 describes, “deep calls to deep”—the deep parts of you connecting with the deep parts of God.

Paul ends his letter in 2 Corinthians 13:14 with a powerful blessing:

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

This verse gives us a beautiful roadmap for deepening our intimacy with God.

1. The Grace of Jesus Christ

Grace reminds us that our relationship with God isn’t based on what we’ve done, but on what Jesus has already done for us.

Because of His grace, we’re forgiven, accepted, and invited into friendship. Let’s end 2025 with a heart of gratitude for everything grace brings way – and let’s start 2026 with an awareness that we are fully loved and welcomed by God.

2. The Love of God

The more we understand God’s love, the more our heart will trust Him. Paul prayed that believers would “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18). God’s love is affectionate, committed, and sacrificial. It is unshakable –

and nothing can separate us from it (Romans 8:38–39).

3. The Fellowship of the Holy Spirit

Finally, fellowship with the Holy Spirit helps and enables us to walk closely with God every day. We grow in fellowship with the Holy Spirit through:

• Affection – telling the Holy Spirit you love Him (often expressed in worship.)

• Obedience – following His gentle leading.

• Time – spending quiet, continuous moments in His presence.

As we slow down at the end of this year, let’s take time to be with Him – to listen, to reflect and to build our friendship with God.

A Call to End 2025 Deeply Rooted

Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls.” God is inviting us into deeper waters — deeper trust, deeper love, deeper awareness of His presence.

So, as we close 2025 and step into 2026, let’s not just set goals— set your heart.

Let the depth of you respond to the depth in God.

Praying that your new year begins not with striving, but with surrender. Not with busyness, but with closeness. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Pastor Ade Ayoko

LVLS Church

Hammersmith, London