More than 1,000 miles east of the Philippines lies the Mariana Trench, the deepest point of earth’s oceans—so deep it reaches into the earth farther than Mount Everest reaches into the sky. That’s more than 36,000 feet, or close to seven miles.
Not even today’s sophisticated submarines can submerge to that depth without imploding from the pressure of 15,000 pounds per square inch–the equivalent of a full-grown elephant standing on your big toe.
But in 2014 oceanographers constructed a cube-shaped basket, attached it to cables, and dropped it into the depths of the trench. The descent took four hours.
They left the basket in place for twenty-four hours, to gather data by camera and hopefully collect samples of life—if it existed at all in such inhospitable conditions.
At the end of twenty-four hours, they used acoustic signals to release the weights that had caused the basket to fall. With the help of flotation devices, it then rose to the surface. Against all odds, here is what the scientists found in the trap:
The new species of fish, about eleven inches long, received the name Mariana Snailfish.
Video revealed their activity in the depths—swimming, tail-swishing, foraging—what you’d expect from healthy fish. They appeared to be perfectly content, unfazed by the bone-crushing pressure of the water around them.
So how do they survive?
God has especially equipped them. For example, instead of bones snailfish skeletons are made of cartilage that can withstand pressure. These fish also produce certain fatty acids that help cell membranes stay flexible. Even at the molecular level, the muscles of the Mariana Snailfish contain certain enzymes that help them flourish at the bottom of the ocean.
In addition, scientists believe the following characteristics also contribute to their survival: big stomachs, transparent skin, thinner muscles, and incompletely closed skulls.
Just as the Mariana Snailfish can withstand extreme physical pressure, we can endure extreme mental, emotional and spiritual pressure—with God’s special equipping.
First, he’ll gladly help us develop resiliency—the ability to handle significant sources of stress. The snailfish manifests several characteristics in the physical realm that can be applied in the spiritual.
A Big Appetite
The large stomach reminds us that those who have a big appetite for God’s truth in the Bible also tend to be survivors; they’re strengthened to withstand the pressures of life.
Abraham Lincoln was just such a person, enduring great pressure from politicians, the press, and the burden of civil war. He had this to say about scripture:
Transparency
This quality reminds us to be transparent about our concerns–before God and a few good friends. Just telling someone else about our stresses has been proven by researchers to reduce anxiety—a truth scripture has taught all along.[1]
It’s worth noting that just as the Mariana Snailfish lives completely at peace in the midst of physical pressure, we can live completely at peace in the midst of emotional stress as God frees us from worry and trusted, grace-filled friends support and encourage.[2]
Flexibility
These fish are also examples of flexibility—deep down at the cellular level. You’ve probably heard the maxim, “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.” The flexible person will look to God for the adjustments needed to handle the pressures of life and search out his guidance for how to cope.
The great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, would have us remember:
If we allow the stresses of life to accomplish the latter, they will not only be survivable, they will be accompanied by the deep contentment of nearness to God.[3]
Notes:
[1] Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
[2] James 1:2-4; Philippians 4:6-7; Proverbs 12:25
[3] Philippians 4:11-13; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 27:1
Sources:
- https://www.washington.edu/news/2017/11/28/theres-a-deeper-fish-in-the-sea/
- https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-01158-x
- https://theconversation.com/the-deepest-dwelling-fish-in-the-sea-is-small-pink-and-delicate-88991
- https://www.natureasia.com/en/research/highlight/12923
Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com (3); http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pxfuel.com and http://www.maxpixel.com; http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.maxpixel.net.
From the Inside Out 
Flexible, transparent and a huge appetite for God’s Word. Yes, Nancy, all three will serve to strengthen and equip us to handle the pressures of life when the come, and they will. Great analogy, my friend!
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. As always, praise God for his inspiration and guidance, leading me to the articles about the Mariana Snailfish. I’d never heard of this discovery–until last week. As for the ways it illustrates how to withstand life’s pressures–the Spirit surely pointed them out!
Interesting and thought provoking! Blessings!
Thank you, Janet. So glad you found the info interesting and the application thought-provoking. I did too while putting this post together!
“…press us ever closer…” What a powerful closing statement about the pressures of this world! Love the double-meaning characteristics of the Mariana Snailfish too.
Isn’t that a wonderful quote from Hudson Taylor? I’m glad you found it meaningful too, as well as enjoyed learning about the Mariana Snailfish–along with the lessons we can learn from them. Thanks for stopping by, Dave, and taking the time to comment!
What a beautiful post Nancy! Thank you. This is just what I needed tonight!
Praise God for his timing, Pastor Pete! It warms my heart to know this post ministered to you.
Thank you very much for such stupendous example as to how the mighty God is capable of helping us in any circumstances.God bless.Take care.🌹😊🙏
Thank you, Francis. Who knew God had hidden a few lessons for us at the bottom of the ocean?! With you I praise Almighty God for his capability to help us in ANY circumstance! SUCH good news!
Yes,everything that we notice on this earth has something special to convey at least the fact that the creator is full of love .Thank you very much and take care.🌹🙏😊
I love this post, Nancy.
Praise God–it makes me smile to know it blessed you!
Great post, Nancy! Love the Hudson Taylor quote. I’m allowing the latter to accomplish in my life, thanks to God’s grace.
Oh, that blesses my heart, Mary, after all you’ve been through. You are a beautiful testimony of the power of God’s grace! So glad you liked the Hudson Taylor quote, my friend.
i loved this post Enjoyed Abraham Lincoln and Hudson Taylors quote. I was struck by the comments on Transparency. Reminded me of James 5:16 where James talks about confessing sins to each other so that you may be healed. He goes on to say the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. I have not seen the first part in action very much except when a real revival comes about. People are getting right with each other… it would be nice to see a real revival in myself lately. Thanks, Nacy for this post!
Sam
You are right–we don’t often get specific with each other about the sins we’ve committed. Some Christians maintain accountability partners to offer one another support in this area. I have found that small Bible study groups frequently become comfortable enough and feel “safe” to share honestly about their struggles. There is great healing in that kind of sharing, as burdens are lifted and freedom in Christ can be more fully experienced.
You are such a good storyteller. Thank you for being you!
Thank you, Jean! (You know how much I appreciate you, too, right?!)
So comforting to know that ‘we can endure extreme mental, emotional and spiritual pressure—with God’s special equipping’. Such a beautiful presentation of tying this rare fish’s ability to survive to how God provides the tools Christians need to survive and, indeed, thrive as we navigate our way through this deeply troubled world. Perfect timing for me to read this! Thanks, Nancy.
So glad this ministered comfort to you–with perfect timing no less. Praise God!
Amen Nancy, l agree although I have never been in a church that had small groups. I saw a need for it during my studies in the 70’s. Again, thanks for an insightful blog. Sam
You’re welcome, Sam!
A timely post indeed! May we seek and use God’s resources in the building pressure.
Thank you, Beth. I agree with you that societal, political, and cultural pressures seem to be building. We need to live wisely and stay tucked under God’s wing!