“He Leadeth Me Beside Still Waters” Psalm 23:2

Imagine a serene, calm stream of water flowing peacefully down a rocky pebbly stretch.  As you look up, imagine seeing a green lofty hillside all around with no sign of activity for miles.  Are you able to picture that?  When you look at still waters in a picturesque setting like that, you might end up seeing your reflection.  Still Water – the mere thought of them brings peace and calm.  The “still waters” we read about in Psalm 23:2 aren’t swift-moving rivers or streams, but rather a shallow, quiet trickle of water flowing along.  Maybe you know of a small creek near your home or have seen one in a park somewhere.

Psalm 23:2 emphasizes that He not only feeds us on green pastures but also leads us beside still waters.  Our Shepherd wants to lead us to a place of rest.  A place of trust.  A place of confidence.  A place where you rely on Him and focus on Him without any distractions.  He wants to take the “heavy load” from your life.   

An important point to be taken away from this verse is the fact that we need water.  Our Good Shepherd leads us to the place of rest, but before that, He leads us to a place where we can quench our thirst.  Without water, we cannot survive very long.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Did you know that a dog will drink from a turbulent stream?  A sheep will not.  A shepherd’s job is to not lead his sheep to waters that roar and are turbulent.  That would not only frighten the sheep, but it would also expose them to the danger of being carried away by a swift and violent stream.  He leads them to waters that are still and quiet.

David, when he composed this Psalm knew that He (the Good Shepherd) “leadeth me beside still waters.”  The key, or the clue to where water can be obtained, lies with the shepherd.  When sheep are thirsty, they can become restless.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, wants to bring calm to our lives.  Just as the shepherd must lead the sheep to “still waters”, our Lord leads us away from danger.  He leads us by His example, and the gentle drawing of His love.  Next month “He Restoreth My Soul.”