Last week as I read Psalm 23, I realized just how far from the “still waters” I had gotten. I had allowed myself to become very stressed and discouraged because of health issues my husband has been experiencing for several weeks. As a result, my endurance and peace were shrinking, and I understood it was necessary for me to make some changes in my heart.
I allowed the phrase, “He leads me beside the still waters” to sink deep into my mind to remind me of the peace I so desired. I began to picture in my mind walking beside a still body of water and how peaceful this would be; but this is only a temporary peace based upon outward circumstances. True calmness and peace comes only from the Lord, no matter what the outward circumstances are at any given time.
“He leads me beside the still waters” continued to stir up my mind, and then I understood. I must allow myself to be led by the Lord. No, He will not literally take my hand and lead me; but I must cease trying to control things and simply trust in His strength and be led beside the still waters of His peace.
The outward conditions may remain the same for a while longer; it may become better, or it may become worse. Whatever the outcome, if I continue allowing the Lord to “lead me beside the still waters,” then I can again rejoice in the Lord because “He restores my soul.”
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:1-6).
By Dena Ivie
Dena and her husband, Charles serve with the church in Tatum, NM. Charles is the pulpit minister for the congregation of about 20 members from the local area. There are more articles by Dena on her blog.
Welcome! We are so glad you stopped by. Come Fill Your Cup is a group of Christian ladies dedicated to equipping women for study and service. We know you are busy and that life’s hectic pace pulls you in so many directions, but you can’t truly be the woman God desires unless you take time to fill your own cup…not with spa days (though we love a good spa!) or the latest novel…but with God’s Holy Word. We want to help you with that! Our goal is to reach you in the midst of your busy day and give you encouragement, education, and fellowship as you strive to live the life God has laid before you. Our prayer is that we can help fill your cup so that you, in turn, can overflow to all those around you. So, as we like to say…come fill your cup, and let it overflow!
What a beautiful article! Thank you for sharing this important lesson to let the Lord lead me and not try to take care of my burdens on my own. I must allow God to restore my soul!
Frances,
So sorry I am just now seeing your comment. Forgive me for not acknowledging it sooner. I appreciate your kind words. To God be the glory.
Thanks so much for your article, Dena! So many times this passage gets used in times of death, but it is for life!
Heidi,
So sorry I am just now seeing your comment. Forgive me for not acknowledging it sooner. I appreciate your comment about this passage being for life! Great thoughts! To God be the glory.