Streams Of Peaceful Water:
This week I was led to read an old favourite – one of the 150 lyrical poems and prayers that comprise the Book of Psalms.
It was a particular Psalm which is one of the most familiar and most treasured.
In fact, you may know it.
It’s sometimes repeated aloud from memory, or sometimes joined by others in a hymn-sing.
Have you guessed which Psalm it is yet?
Well, judging by the title of this week’s E-word, I’m sure you have!
Anyhow, I’m confident you will agree – this rephrasing of the first part of the Psalm seems to express the message in a very refreshing and sunny way.
Here goes: –
“You, Lord, are my Shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life.”1.
Friends, when we are drained of energy or effectiveness – extremely tired – having one’s spring unwound – feeling completely exhausted as a result of long-time stress – or run-down until we become physically and mentally fatigued – we need to have our lives refreshed!
But when we’re at wits end – perplexed – unable to think what to do next – who can possibly refresh our lives?
Only the One who will lead us to streams of peaceful water!
Yes! That’s right!
“You, Lord, are my Shepherd. I will never be in need.”
Only He can renew and strengthen us!
Only He can refresh our lives!
Still, in the busyness of our everyday lives – have you ever noticed how easy it is to give little or no attention to the One who really counts!!
Perhaps we’ve been too distracted by the “hustle and bustle” of daily events to even realise!
No wonder we’re worn-out – and tired of being tired!!
But there is a place of ultimate peace.
A place of rest.
A place of simple contentment – completeness – wholeness – well being – and harmony.
Once we have identified ourselves with this, let’s reach out to the One who really counts.
The Living God.
The Good Shepherd.
Let’s be led by Him to the streams of peaceful water.
As soon as we are – He will refresh our lives – quench our thirst – give us new energy and strength – and make visible the God-colours in our lives.
He, who puts all things together, makes all things whole, will provide us with everything we need.
In truth, all our needs could never exhaust God’s supplies!
Agree? Agree!
1 Psalm 23:1-3