Be still

The last blog focused on Psalm 23:1 and addressed wanting-or not wanting since the Lord is our shepherd and makes sure we have everything we need. After the wanting ceases, we are to be still. The NKJV states it like this: “He Makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside Still waters.” Ps 23:2 NKJV (emphasis mine). The amplified version replaces “makes” with “lets”. Of course God would let us lie down in green pastures, but how many times do we not heed the gentle calling and almost be forced to take a break? It’s the same with the second part of the verse-he leads us to the water. However, the word “still” really stuck out when I read this. He doesn’t lead us to to dry pastures or rushing waters. He wants us to go to the places where we can find rest and be at peace. We don’t take those hints. Even though God provides everything we need and shepherds us from the things we don’t need, He gives us the opportunity to find rest and be at peace. Most of the time, a gentle leading to the periods of rest in lush pastures and near still waters is ignored either by us finding something new to want or refusing to stop and take the rest He provides for us. He wants us to live in rest and peace, not find a way to be worried and stressed. We can survive our days staying on the perimeter of the peaceful places. Wouldn’t it be better to thrive and enter in to the places of rest He provides?