Today we continue verse 2 with a “Blessing” of the promise of “Peace.” The second half of the verse: “He leadeth me beside the still waters.” The Lord who is our Shepherd knows our need for peace. So, he promises to lead us to places, like the still waters, to ensure that we drink in, take in, and bask in His peace. There is no doubt that all of us have a need for peace as we attempt to live our busy lives in this hectic world. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Do you have a favorite place – a place that ministers to your soul – that sharpens your perspective? We all need a place of peace to escape to at times in our life. I love the beach or a cabin by a stream in the mountains. The common thread in those two is the water. Water soothes my inner being. It calms me, inspires me and energizes me. It is so easy to commune with God while enjoying his creation. So, in verse two, we discover this image of water – the still waters. And beside it, God promises the peace of mind and heart that we so long for. What causes us to seek peace? (Take a few seconds to reflect on your answer before you continue reading.) Four reasons to seek peace: 1) Busyness – running errands, cooking, cleaning, laundry, phone calls to make, diapers to change, kids to feed, and on and on - the list never stops. 2) Responsibility – you know, all those duties that fall on our shoulders, but mostly it is the expectation from ourselves and others that the things on our busy list will get done – it becomes a heavy burden to us. 3) Tension – Whenever something is wrong – either at home, in our relationships or spiritually, the tension and uneasiness drains us. 4) Noise – The noise of all that is going on around you. Too many people, too much traffic, neighbors mowing at 6:00 am, people arguing-yelling and angry at each other. With all this going on, we need to seek the still waters. We all can testify that our souls become dry on a steady diet of stress and we become weary. We stumble and crumble and make errors in judgment because we need time beside the still waters. Insert your name in this verse: “He Leads (your name) Beside the Still Waters!” “He” – He, the Shepherd, knows all about our need for peace and He provides it. He has made us. He has planned our path. He knows our every challenge and provides the peace we need for fulfilling His will for our lives. “Leads” – Our Shepherd most definitely leads us to the places where peace is plentiful and makes sure we attain it. “Still Waters” – He leads us beside still, restful waters of comfort. The last thing you and I need when we are on the edge of collapse is the threatening power of raging waters and thundering rapids. The Shepherd knows this – so, He wisely leads us to a peaceful place beside a quiet, tranquil stream. Have you visited the still waters of God’s peace and comfort lately? Another name of God illustrated in Psalm 23:2 is “Jehovah-Shalom” which means the God of Peace. Jehovah-Shalom is introduced in the book of Judges (6:24) when the reigning judge, Gideon, built an altar to the Lord and called it Jehovah-Shalom, which means “The Lord send peace.” Before we finish verse 2 and our visit to the still waters, I think we need to behold the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” To enjoy peace and harmony with God means to enjoy the harmony of a relationship with God. And it is Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace that we read of in Isaiah 9 who makes a relationship with God possible. Peace with God includes: “Harmony” – to be in harmony with God due to the payment of a debt. “A Peace Offering” – restored fellowship between God and man, accomplished only by the shed blood (Leviticus 3). Jesus, the Price of Peace, satisfies both of these definitions of peace. In closing today, a Prayer for Peace: And, now, dear Lord, we acknowledge afresh that, You are the God of all peace, Jehovah-Shalom. You offer us Your peace. Ours is to receive. You give us Your peace. Ours is to take. You lead us to Your still waters. Ours is to follow. You extend Your hand. Ours is to take hold. May we enjoy Your presence, and the tranquility of the still waters where You pour out your promise of peace. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 22 Nov 2013 23:00:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015