Green Pastures. Still Waters
This is the second in our series on Psalm 23. If you missed the first one, I encourage you to jump back and read it by clicking here.
Psalm 23:2 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
In Middle Eastern countries, a shepherd must continually move his sheep to new pastures. Staying in the same place could raise the risk of disease if sheep aren’t able to get proper nourishment. During the move, the sheep can easily become nervous because of their unfamiliar surroundings. During these times the shepherd must walk among the sheep and with his soothing voice, remind them of his presence. Friend, if you feel God moving you out of your comfort zone, don’t fear the journey when God has promised an expected end. Right now, you may be in an unfamiliar place. You may feel uneasy by things that you see around you. There may be jagged rocks under your feet but just remember that there’s a soft green pasture up ahead!
“…he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Why does the writer refer to still waters? Only a shepherd knows about the fears that sheep possess of running water. They will die from thirst before drinking from a fast moving stream. Sheep have reason to fear the running water because they cannot swim very well. Thrown into a deep, fast moving river, a sheep will probably not survive.
I have had two near drowning experiences in my childhood. The fast moving water, with all of its noise seemed exciting to me. But once out in those waters, they seemed more like the icy grip of death as they swept me downstream and into deeper areas. I remember, trying to cry for help but the water kept pulling me under and choking out my voice.
Life can be such a river. Everyday it flows so fast and so loud that’s hard to not become fearful. Life doesn’t wait patiently in line, but demands our attention and our energy. Even though a river will never slow its rapid flow, the compassionate shepherd will gather up stones and divert some of the fast moving water into a small pool for the sheep to drink. For you, this place may be in the middle of the night beside your bed. It may be in a song or a sermon. If you find yourself in need of nourishment, rest or peace of mind, I can promise you that God is preparing green pastures and still waters!
Dear Lord, please teach me to trust you along the journey as you lead me to green pastures. Help me not to fear the fast river of life and look for the quiet pools of water that you have prepared for me.