He Leadeth Me Beside The Still Waters

The sheep is a very timid creature. Especially it is afraid of swiftly moving water, which it has a good reason to fear.

The sheep is a very poor swimmer because of its heavy coat. It would be like a man trying to swim with his overcoat on. The water soaks into the coat of the sheep and pulls it down.

Instinctively, the sheep knows it cannot swim in swift current. The sheep will not drink froma moving stream. The sheep will only drink from still waters.

The shepherd does not laugh at the sheep’s fear. He does not try to force the sheep. Instead, as he leads his sheep across the mountains and the valleys, he is constantly on the watch for still waters; where the thirst of the sheep may be quenched.

If there are no still waters available, while the sheep are resting, the shepherd will gather up stones to fashion a dam across a small stream to form a pool from which even the tiniest lamb may drink without fear.

This portion of the 23rd Psalm has wonderful meaning for us. God knows the limitations and He does not condemn us because we have weaknesses. He does not force us where we cannot safely & happily go. God never demands of us work which is beyond our strength and ability. He’s constantly ministering to our needs. He understands the load upon our shoulders. He also knows where the places of nourishment and refreshment are located.

It gives us great confidence to know that even while we sleep, the Shepherd is preparing for our needs tomorrow (Read Psalm 121:3,4).

One great way to relieve tension in your life is to picture still water clearly in your mind. Make a tiny, cool spring on a green hillside. Make a little lake nestling among some pines “a calm sea with gentle, rippling waves.” After the picture becomes clear then start repeating and believing, “He Leadeth Me Beside The Still Waters”.

Such a time in our lives of surrender and trust in our Shepherd enables us to face the heat of the day confidently, knowing there is refreshing and relaxed power waiting uder the leadership of one wiser than we.

As this Psalm saturates your mind and soul it gives assurance.