" . . . he leadeth me beside the still waters." Psalm 23:2
Palestine is a semi-arid country and water is therefore scarce and precious. The picture that is drawn here in the Twenty-third Psalm is an interesting one. The streams during the rainy season are swift and treacherous so that it is not safe for a sheep to approach their raging current. Should they do so, they would probably be carried away and drowned. The sheep, however, in this rather dry and thirsty land are very eager for the sparkling refreshment when they see it pouring in an inviting torrent, but the shepherd, recognizing their danger, keeps them back until he has dug a ditch leading off from the main stream. Only when the water has collected in this special pool and distilled to a crystal clearness does he allow his sheep to satisfy their thirst. By these still waters they find their necessary refreshment without the dangers associated with the swiftly flowing streams of the rainy season. No wonder the sheep love the shepherd, for through his tender care and provision they can enjoy cooling mouthfuls of water in tranquility, and slake their thirst without fear.
So too, the boisterous streams of the world, although they appear inviting, can never satisfy the Lord's sheep. The allurements of sin promise much, but their subtle threat to life and limb is apparent to the Good Shepherd. He knows our need and graciously supplies the sweet water of the Word and heavenly refreshment. The quiet beauty and crystal purity of the water of salvation ever invites His obedient sheep to peaceful repose and true contentment. Only as these "waters of stillness" (as the phrase may be literally translated) are imbibed can our souls be restored and our thirst for God be satisfied. How precious and delightful are His "still waters." "O taste and see that the Lord is good." He ever leads aright!
"Bread For Each Day"
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