QUIET WATERS
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV)
David writes of God’s love for us, relating His care to that of a Shepherd. Having been a shepherd, David understood the dedication and continuous care required to be a good shepherd. His experience and knowledge of sheep gave him the perfect metaphor for God's constant care for him.
Let’s consider these verses from the viewpoint of a sheep.
“I realize I am one of God’s most timid creatures, and I’m okay with that. I won’t lie down to sleep until everything is completely calm, quiet and serene. I react so easily to little disturbances like a darting squirrel. I need calm. My shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures,” said the sheep with a yawn and sigh that comes before a deep sleep.
“I’m frightened by noisy water. You know, when a river or stream whooshes, splashes and roars. A still stream is precisely what I need when I’m thirsty. My shepherd knows this, so he leads me beside still waters and refreshes my soul,” said the sheep with satisfaction and a little sheep smile.
“I don’t like being alone. I feel safe with my family. If I were to get lost, I would most likely panic, not knowing where to go. I would feel defenseless. My shepherd guides me along the right paths,” said the sheep with a contented smile.
The Lord is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. In His great love, He protects us and provides calmness, peace and order—a good environment for us to prosper and rest. And it’s all for His name’s sake—in accordance with His character. The Great Shepherd always knows what’s best for His sheep.
APPLICATION: Sometimes we can try to be a shepherd when we’re supposed to be sheep. Think about ways you might need to surrender and look to God. Is He your peace, contentment, refreshment, joy, guidance and protection? Do you trust Him for all these things?
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your provision, protection and love. I thank You that I can trust You to lead me. I’m so glad You are my Shepherd and that I’m not doing this life alone. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?