Beside the still waters…Psalm 23

My daughter and I were sitting on a park bench beside a still pond. The green grass was like a soft carpet beneath our feet.

“…He makes me to lie down in green pastures.”

The wind was making its mark, creating little ripples in this small body of water. I noticed a tiny circle of fluff floating there. It remained still as the ripples seemed to be just under the surface. Like it was held there by something.

“…He leads me beside the still waters.”

Can it be that when we allow God to lead us, the ripples of circumstances in life cannot take us away from Him? We can be held on the surface where there is plenty of air and protection from the undertow. We can be restored from the dehydrating demands of this life by His living water. More powerful than the water that carved out the paths in the Grand Canyon.

“…He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

For the glory of His Name, He leads me. I am not here for me. Or you. Or anyone else. I am here for God. And so are you. That’s where the path of righteousness begins; realizing that.

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”

There is a shadow that can feel like death. When the “normal” changes because something or someone has died and it’s just too hard to get up in the morning. Or too hard to get up and keep up a façade of I’m okay. How can you “fear no evil”?

“For You are with me: Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Like the good shepherd never leaves his flock, God will never leave you. He will gently lead and guide and give and give more grace. How comforting to know that the rod is not for punishment but for guidance. For the next step when you don’t know when or where to place it. He knows the future and He’s got you. And He doesn’t care whose watching. Right in front of the enemies of your soul He will feed you, anoint you and fill you with His Spirit. Your strength will be renewed like the eagles.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”

Then you will be chased. Not by your enemies but by a God that will chase you down with His goodness and mercy. Not just today, but every day. For all eternity.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

I want to be like that little piece of fluff. I want to remember that I am powerless on my own, but attached to the water that He gives, I am safe, riding above the dangers that lurk under the surface.