When we start our lives, we do so in water. The human fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid. A mother knows that delivery is near when her water breaks. 

Being submerged in water is tantamount to a new beginning. Think of water baptism as a sign of a life reborn in the Spirit and the start of a new journey for the believer. 

Water plays a crucial role in our development and our spiritual growth. The Bible tells us that springs of living water will flow from our bosoms. We know that we are cleansed by the water of the Word. Jesus is the Living Water, and He said that we are cleansed by the Words He spoke to us. These truths all point to the end of one phase of our lives and the start of another. Our life of sin has ended, and our life in the Spirit begins.

I would like to think that when we go through deep waters (Isaiah 43:1-5), we will enter into a new beginning once we have come through it. The Israelites had to go through the Red Sea to escape from Egypt and walk across the Jordan River to enter the promised land. They didn’t have to swim or tread water. God was with them. He took them through the deep waters on dry ground.

Isaiah 43:1-5 
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you…”

I used to groan when I received a message such as the one in Isaiah 43:1-5. It meant that difficult times awaited. I can’t recall finding myself in deeper water than that in which my husband’s stroke plunged us. Isaiah 43:1-5 became a lifeline for us.

I don’t groan any longer when I see such a message. I have experienced God’s presence and His faithfulness. I too have walked through the deep waters on dry ground. What was meant for destruction brought us closer to God. He did the heavy lifting. We simply had to walk with Him. 

Matthew 11:28-30 
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” 
Or, as another translation puts it: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 
I’m not making light of our journey. It has been difficult, and we face daily struggles. But time and again we can attest to God’s faithfulness. He carries our burdens and fights our battles.