Psalm 23 (one of my favorites)
1 A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 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’ve read this psalm and read about it several times: I’d never thought a lot about the ‘still’ waters; I know that sheep don’t like to drink from fast-running waters, because of the danger. The shepherd wouldn’t want them drinking from stagnant water, though- not healthy for them. So ‘still’… according to Strong’s that word translates as ‘resting place, rest, quietness’. it’s a feminine noun which can also mean ‘repose’ or ‘peacefully’; also ‘consolation’.
so when Jesus leads us beside still waters, He’s looking out for our safety and health as we drink, but He’s also looking out for our comfort and consolation; this week has started out with more ‘excitement’ than I care for, so I’m glad to be able to rest beside His still waters, to catch my breath and get my strength back.