Meditate. Think about your favorite stream or river.
The LORD
is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he
leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along
right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest
valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your
staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my
enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with
blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days
of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm
23:1-6
The Lord is promising here to lead us beside peaceful streams—in some translations that phrase is “still” waters. At any rate, the Lord, being our shepherd, is not going to put us in danger.
I myself will tend my sheep and give
them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. Ezekiel 34:15
Swift moving
water is dangerous for sheep. If they are thirsty and attempt to drink from a
swift-moving stream, they can very easily fall in and drown. They cannot swim
well—although a couple of Google articles assured me that they can swim, they
just don’t choose to jump into the water like a dog and swim. They are likely
to lose their footing in swift-moving water and their wool will get very heavy
when it is soaking wet. I think with the wet wool, it would be very hard to get
out of the water, too. Peaceful streams would provide the freshwater which
sheep need. That is just what you and I need, too. Fresh, clean, pure water—physically
and spiritually. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, His disciples, and
us, that He is the source of living water…eternal life.
The woman was surprised, for Jews
refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are
a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?"
Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are
speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."
"But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and
this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do
you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How
can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?"
Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty
again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It
becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John
4:9-14
Prayer ~ LORD, you will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from you. Isaiah 26:12
Verse of
Salvation ~ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be
afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory."
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that
wonderful day, you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the
nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Isaiah 12:2-4
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