Still Waters

Still Waters

Psalm 23:2 The Lord makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

“Home sweet home” was our theme for Wednesday as we ended a 3 day stay in San Antonio TX during Spring Break.  What were we thinking…LOL???  All in all it was a wonderful first “Bobby L Gaddis Family Vacation” and Gramps and I were thrilled and honored that we were invited to tag along.  We have vivid images burned into our memories for years to come and just in case the aging process diminishes some of them, we also have pictures.  We learned allot on this first vacation.  Some things we need to do differently but others were just right.  As I was thinking back on the wonderful experience one thing stood out this morning and it describes Psalm 23:2 in a way that makes the passage even more alive to me.  We were a troop of 6 adults with 7 children; 2 toddlers, 2 very animated 3 year olds, a very curious 6 year old and 2 preteen girls plus ALL the other tourists…did I mention Spring Break???  We experienced every emotion you can imagine plus some…ha, ha.

Tuesday was our day to tour the River Walk.  It was a beautiful day but a little warm partly due to miles of concrete, crowds of people and trying to make sure none of our little ones wandered off.  After allot of walking plus going up and down a few pesky stairs, we finally got on the river boat that gave us a tour of the area.  I didn’t think of it at the time but this morning the Lord reminded me of how life can be totally chaotic, crowded and confusing.  In the midst of it all, He knows that we need some green pastures and still waters so He gives us His Holy Spirit and He leads us beside the still waters.  We were on a boat in the middle of the San Antonio River Walk lined with people hurrying to and fro and there were still waters. Still waters accompanied by cool, calming breezes and beautiful snapshots of God’s handy work.  The flowers were brilliant in color and shaped as only a Heavenly artist could have designed them.  Trees and greenery that were all unique and beautiful in their own right lined the paths.  The birds sang and ducks swam as if they hadn’t a care in the world and they too portrayed the majesty of our magnificent Creator.  In that brief time it seemed as if we had been carried far from the hustle and bustle into a place of serenity.   It brought comfort and rest for our tired feet and wearying bodies.   We had not been taken out of the ciaos; but there in the very middle of it all were those “still waters”. 

Our Father who is also our Shepherd knows there are times in this life which mandate green pastures and still waters.  Our souls become weary and weakened by the pull of the world, the pressures of daily demands that weigh on us and the challenges that we face whether by divine design or consequences of choice.  We need to take time to lie down; we need to take time to stroll along side still waters for rest and reflection.  Reflection, when done with the right motive, brings valuable insight into what we are doing that is pleasing to the Lord and what might need our attention.  I so identify with the writer of this Psalm when he says, “He Makes me and He Leads me” because most often, I would not do it on my own.  In this fast passed, “rat race” that we have created, some how spending time by the green pastures and still waters is rarely in “MY” schedule.  How thankful I am for a Shepherd that’s looking out for me even if He has to put things in my path that force me to those “Still Waters”. 

Father,

Oh how I thank you for those times when in the midst of the ciaos you lead me to the still waters.  Thank you for the calming effect those precious waters have on my weary soul.  I praise you for knowing what I need and then providing it.  You are my source, my provision and my sustainer.  Give me the desire and the wisdom not to neglect the times of refreshing and reflection. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen