Wednesday, March 11 Deep River

Scripture:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” — Isaiah 43:2

Hymn Focus:

Deep River

“Deep river, my home is over Jordan.”

“Oh, don’t you want to go to that gospel feast, that promised land where all is peace?”

Lent is a season of longing. We walk through repentance and reflection with our eyes set on what lies beyond—renewal, freedom, and life restored. The spiritual Deep River gives voice to that longing, drawing on the biblical image of the Jordan River as both boundary and promise.

In Scripture, rivers often mark places of transition. To cross the Jordan is to leave the wilderness behind and step into God’s promise. In the hymn, the river becomes a symbol of life’s hardships, suffering, and even death—but also of hope. The singer knows that the journey does not end in weariness. “My home is over Jordan.”

Lent allows us to name the places where life feels heavy or uncertain. Like the waters of the river, grief and struggle can feel deep and unyielding. Yet God’s promise in Isaiah assures us that we do not cross alone. God is present in the waters, steady and faithful.

The hymn’s vision of the “gospel feast” points us forward to Easter hope and the fullness of God’s kingdom. Lent reminds us that our present journey—marked by fasting, repentance, and waiting—is not the final word. We move toward peace, restoration, and home.

Prayer

God of promise and presence,

As we walk through this Lenten season,

hold us when the waters feel deep.

Strengthen our hope when the journey feels long,

and keep our eyes fixed on the promise of your peace.

Carry us through every river,

until we rest in the joy of your promised home.

Amen.