Reflections on Psalm 23 Part 4: Calm Waters

He leadeth me beside still waters.

A lot of people talk about sheep as being really "dumb" animals. But, they are not so dumb in some aspects.

They know when they are treading on danger's tightrope. Sheep cannot swim- their big thick wooly coat would cause them to sink and be in danger immediately should they end up in a raging river.

And the sheep are well aware of this. They are afraid of water because the know it will be their demise and end in a dreadful fate if that is the case.

But as humans need water to replenish and refresh our souls in order to survive, the sheep need water to drink and re-energize as well.

They will only drink, however, if they find calm, quiet waters to be sure they are not in any danger.

A good shepherd leads his sheep to quiet, cool, and calm waters.

Throughout my battle with health problems, I've known that I've been in danger of sinking. There have been so many times when I've felt I was standing next to a foaming, raging, rushing river.

And I felt like I was going to fall in and drown. And fail. And let people down. Let God down, for that matter.

Pressures were so great-
"You SHOULD be feeling better"
"You SHOULD be improving"
"You SHOULD be a better friend"
"You SHOULD be more independent"
"You SHOULD be walking on your own by now"
"You SHOULD be at home, you won't survive at school"
"You SHOULD be doing more to get better"

The pressures were so great I felt like I was going to crack and fall into the dangerous, deep river of failure and shame.

But my shepherd steps in and says, "Dylan, come here, come this way."

And He leads me beside still waters. There are no limitations. There are no "shoulds"

Things are calm. I am safe. I am not in any danger. No "Should" the world could ever throw at me will cause me to drown.

I can drink from the waters of everlasting life and be content.


This verse reminds me of the hymn, "He Leadeth Me"... Some of the lyrics...


He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where'er I be, 

still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.  

Refrain:
He leadeth me, he leadeth me, 
by his own hand he leadeth me; 
his faithful follower I would be, 
for by his hand he leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom, 
sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom, 
by waters still, o'er troubled sea, 
still 'tis his hand that leadeth me.  
(Refrain)

Lord, I would place my hand in thine, 
nor ever murmur nor repine; 
content, whatever lot I see, 
since 'tis my God that leadeth me.  

(Refrain)

Blessings:
-I totally forgot to mention yesterday that I TOOK THE BOOT OFF! I am now walking freely again and the majority of the pain from my fracture has subsided! Thanks be to GOD!

-Didn't do quite as bad on my exam as I thought I did.

-Visit with my mentor again and she loaned me a book.

-Good counseling session today

-My back seems to be well-adjusted as well!

-Good practice run this afternoon of my recital

-Won an auction on Ebay!

-I had my first vegan dinner ever tonight with an amazing newlywed couple! (No, I am not vegan, but they are!)

-It has been an amazing, but busy day! I've been hanging out at the still waters. How about you?