“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:28 NIV)
This morning I was rereading my notes from the women’s conference at church last month and then happened across an online video done by the pastor of the church we used to attend. In both my notes and his teaching the words “quiet waters” came to me. I believe that was a word I needed to hear this morning; perhaps it is helpful to you, too.
“Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.” (Psalm 23:1 TPT)
“23:1 The word most commonly used for “shepherd” is taken from the root word ra‘ah, which is also the Hebrew word for “best friend.” This translation includes both meanings. The unique term for shepherd is ro’eh tzon—“lover of the flock.” This teaches us that a shepherd was not just a responsible overseer, but a caring father figure, tending to his flock out of a deep sense of love. Shepherds were also fierce protectors of their flocks. Jesus is the Fierce Protector of his people.” (Psalm 23:1 TPT with notes)
There’s plenty of things in my world and in the greater world that can give great stress.
- The snow is falling, the wind is blowing, and we are under a “winter storm warning.” Will we lose electricity? What if we can’t get the generator hooked up?
- My oldest is graduating high school this spring and the next day is the open house. How will we find time to do the preparations so our home will be ready to host such a gathering?
- I had a fantastic idea for my two younger kids but they both poo-poo’ed it. Should I press ahead, assuming they will catch my enthusiasm, or should I listen to their input and “keep it simple”?
- A toxic waste train derails in an innocent community, Chinese spy balloons are drifting over our continent, and people-on-people violence increases in streets, colleges, businesses, and schools. Will the bad and worse news never end? Must our nation and world slide so quickly into wickedness, hopelessness, and despair?
My list may be different than yours, but sometimes life can feel like a flood. When life feels overwhelming, we must press into Yahweh, our Good Shepherd, who helps us to find the quiet places in our lives. The pastor’s teaching included the idea that in Israel, the land is very rocky and mountainous and some storms can cause flash flooding in areas not close to the storm. If a shepherd is to keep his sheep safe he must not have them in ravines or near rushing waters where they can easily drown. Instead, he must find them still, quiet waters. Our Good Shepherd doesn’t want us to drown in the “flash floods” of this world. Instead, Jesus invites us to rest beside the still, deep waters to which he has invited us.
“He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still [quiet] and restful waters.” (Psalm 23:2 AMPC)
- God has protected us from storms and power outages before. We have friends who can help if needed. God will continue to watch over us and provide assistance if needed.
- Big Projects with Hard Deadlines are really just piles of little projects that can be done bit by bit over time. If the past is any indication, all those little and big projects will eventually come to pass and the event will be fine.
- Children sometimes see ideas as just more work and, so, shy away from something that could end up fun and enriching. Yet, sometimes their child-like-faith hears a gentle “no, not this thing at this time” from the Spirit. God provides wisdom and discernment when we ask for it.
- There is nothing new under the sun. Since the Fall of Creation in the Garden, we’ve been subjected to strife, wars and rumors of war, and tragedy. Through it all God has still been Sovereign and Good. He cannot and will not change.
So, today, let us each hear the voice of the Good Shepherd who is looking out for us, caring for us, calling us to quiet and secure places, and offering us his peace. Let us not drown in the stuggles of this world, but allow ourselves to be led to the quiet waters of holy shalom peace.
Lord God,
Thank you, Yahweh, that you are our Best Friend, Fierce Protector of your people, and the Good Shepherd who leads and guides your children through the trials, strife, and chaos of this world into quiet and still waters. Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever, and your heart is always for us to know your deep and abiding shalom. Thank you for leading us, guiding us, and protecting us. Remind us that you have redeemed us and we are yours. When we pass through “waters” of struggle, you are with us; the rivers of that struggle will not drown us. When we walk through the “fires” of wickedness in this world, we will not be burned. You are the Lord our God, the Holy One, our Savior, who guides us to places of safety. Bless us and keep us, make your face to shine upon us, be gracious to us, and grant us your shalom peace as we follow you to quiet waters. We ask in Jesus’s name, Amen.
“Do not let the floodwater overwhelm me, Nor the deep waters swallow me up, Nor the pit [of Sheol] shut its mouth over me.” (Psalm 69:15 AMP)
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV)
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)