For Three Days

The dark waters writhed and raged and worked themselves like the jaws of a ravenous beast. I fell head long and heavy into its jagged mouth. Immediately, with its hunger satiated, the waters fell still and quiet. The black sea was hungry no more. As I sank deep, I knew justice was served. My disobedience recognized. My punishment deserved. Sinking further down still, I look up to glimpse the light of grace and freedom cover the horizon above me, moving quickly beyond the hope of my grasp. ​

I thought to run from His sight. My running gave courage and peace to my deceived, arrogant and unlearned heart. As I am cast out of His sight, my feet dragging the bottom of the abyss to make the trench for my watery grave, I am filled with regret and remorse. His presence is all I long for. The dark waters of my punishment cover my head and weigh my soul like iron prison bars. In that place I remembered You. In the desperation of my guilt and shame, through the pain of my spirit and soul, I cried out. I cried out for the only One who could hear me. I reached for the One who had done this to me. Would You hear me? ​

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From a lowly and contrite heart, I murmured a prayer. As the seaweeds greeted me with open arms and wrapped themselves around my cold body, my prayer ascended from the dark pit to rise swiftly and gently like a white feathered dove to nest earnestly in Your Most Holy place.
 
You heard me.
 
You answered me.
 
It's been three days since Your mercy sought me out and found me. Your mercy swallowed me up and covered me completely. I have not seen the light yet.  I have not tasted warmth yet. It is still cold and wet and dark where I sit, but now I know- I am not alone. You see me. You hold me in the palm of your hand. By His grace I have been saved and I know I will be delivered. My Deliverance is Coming!!

​– supposed excerpt from Jonah’s Diary while inside the whale
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