Beside Quiet Waters: Psalm 23Sample

Beside still waters

In the first part of Psalm 23:2, the Psalmist David tells us that God gives us rest: He makes me lie down in green pastures. The second part of this verse says that God leads us beside still waters. While this might sound like another promise of rest, it’s actually referring to yet another way God takes care of us as our shepherd.

Sheep need still water to drink from as opposed to fast moving currents. Without a source of still water, sheep are unable to drink and thus, will die. So here, in saying God leads his sheep beside still waters, David is declaring that God will not only give us rest, he will also give us life!

But what exactly is the life that Scripture refers to? It can be easy for us to believe that “life”is getting what we want, relief from suffering, comfort, and ease. In motherhood, perhaps we associate “life” with feeling rested and recharged or free to do as we please. But the truth is, God doesn’t promise us freedom from hard things.

Jesus defines life in John 17:3, saying, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” The life God promises us is nothing less than himself. To know and have closeness with God is a gift of life greater than all else.

Keep your eyes and heart open to the ways God is at work today to bring you life through a deeper relationship with him. Perhaps it’s in the way he comforts you with his presence through the companionship of a friend. Maybe it’s in the way he gives you a deeper felt assurance of faith through something you read or a song you listen to. Or perhaps it’s in the way the Spirit brings a verse or aspect of God to mind that leads you to worship him.

Today, let this perspective frame whatever you might face: Knowing and fellowshipping with Jesus is an experience of life that transcends our circumstances and feeds our souls with what they most deeply need. Our Good Shepherd, God, is ever bringing us into a deeper experience of his life, leading us beside still waters.