un·fath·om·able

fath·om

n.

A unit of length equal to 6 feet, used principally in the measurement and specification of marine depths.

tr.v.

1. To penetrate to the meaning or nature of; comprehend.

2. To determine the depth of; sound.

How do we, with finite minds and limited vocabulary, express our absolute inability to understand the enigmas of our lives? We say that we cannot . . .

• grasp them

• get a handle on them

• wrap our heads around them

Even in the origins of the word "fathom," we find the sense of "stretching out the arms" to "embrace."  We are saying of the unfathomable, "I cannot get my arms around you!"

In expressions like these, we cry,  

"I am using every ounce of myself -- 

my mind, my heart, even my body -- 

to figure this out!"

In reply, the synonyms of "unfathomable" (bottomless, boundless, endless, fathomless, horizonless, illimitable, immeasurable, indefinite, limitless, measureless, unbounded, infinite, unlimited) shout back,  

"It is beyond you!"

The poet gives up and writes,

We are so tired; my heart and I

Of all the things here beneath the sky

Only one thing would please us best -

Endless, unfathomable rest.

~ Mathilde Blind

We long for that "unfathomable rest" because we know that it is both blessed and sure. While we wait, though, we are faced with our inabilities and the need to find rest for our souls.

Come to Me, 

all you who labor and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest.

~ Matthew 28:11

Dearest Lord, 

Surely You are the only one who fathoms what none of us can. You are infinite, sovereign over all, ever wise and unconditionally loving. Let me join my voice with this sweet one and sing . . .

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature's unique in the song that it sings, all exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night, none can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing God

All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Yes, You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing God

You are all powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

You are indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing God

Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart
And You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

~Laura Story

~ End Quote

Note:

Beneath one online dictionary entry was the question,

"What made you want to look up unfathomable?"

I thought, "Got a few days?"