Peace, Quiet, Refreshment in the Middle of the Storm
He leads us gently and kindly to find rest. We take His yoke on us thinking of work only to find rest in Him.
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Leads
Our Shepherd leads or guides us to water. The word means to escort or lead with care, transport, or move on further. It is the idea of getting you to a station, goal, or resting place. This leading is protecting, sustaining, feeding, leading on gently, and carrying.
The Shepherd is not driving His sheep but gently leading them. He is not making them get the water or get to the water, but he is supplying them with water and taking the sheep on the journey.
So He does not push, manipulate, force, or drive us. With love, he gently guides us, sustaining us and meeting our needs—all of which the word “lead” encompasses.
Beside
He gently leads me beside, near, or to the environment. I would never have understood that if it had not been for the Tennessee Walking Horse stallion we had on the farm as a boy. He was a very large, powerful horse, but was terrified of creeks, streams, or any water that moved and made too much noise. It was my joy morning and evening to take him to the water.
Ye would rear up on his back legs and shudder in fear if I took him to the babbling brook. He was so strong he could pick me up. Getting him to drink there was impossible. I could either carry his water in 5-gallon buckets or find a place where the water was calm. It didn’t take me long to take him to peaceful calm, barely moving, but very fresh water. He loved it.
That is the way with the sheep. They want peace and quiet. They do not want to be carried away by the current, so take them beside them, not into the still, calm water.
Let them enjoy quiet, fulfilling peace as we do. Remember that no matter how much noise there is around you, in Jesus, you have peace. Cast your cares on Him.
Still
Still actually means a resting place, a place to rest, quiet, refreshment, time to relax, and regain your composure. It is a place where you can rest free of stress and anxiety. There is no war, no fighting, no arguments, no disputes.
I think of the famous painting of the horrendous storm, with the bird finding peaceful shelter in the middle of the storm.
How about the hymn “Near to the Heart of God,” where you find a place where sin cannot molest but a meeting place with our blessed redeemer, all that is near to the heart of God
Can you imagine David and his men hiding in the dark and cold from an entire army that wanted to destroy them, but David knew where to go? He simply followed his Shepherd to the place of quiet rest and refreshment. He meditated on the wonderful Shepherd he had and found peace in the middle of danger.
Waters
We can live much longer without food than water, which is so essential. David kept sheep in a semiarid area. Water was not nearly as obtainable as you might think. Getting water was the most basic need anyone had.
Up to two-thirds of your body is water. We have to have water to live. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, meets your most basic needs.
Application
Our Shepherd makes sure we have all we need. He gives us food until we have to lie down because we are so full. But then he provides water to drink. My mother-in-law would eat an entire meal before she took a drink. I drink the whole time I am eating.
In Peru, people usually serve liquids after meals. My thirst would be unbearable before they served the water or drink.
God, our Shepherd, feeds us and gives us water to drink, not in a rush, but in peace and quiet.
It is like He is saying, “You have had enough to eat, now drink till your fill, but lay down, rest, and relax. I got you.” I know you feel danger, but I am your Shepherd. I will take care of you. There is nothing I will not do for you.
That is our Shepherd.