"BESIDE THE STILL WATERS"

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 lead 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).