Psalm 23 tells us ‘ He leads me beside still waters.’ verse 3. Another version says ”quiet waters.’ I always see this psalm pictorially in my mind. I’m lying in a lush meadow, to my right and down the hill is the village with all it’s noise and bustle. To my left is the river of water which I used to imagine as fast flowing but now realise they are quiet waters, still waters. Not a fast flowing stream where everything gets swept away.
The water flows slowly and calmly, sparkling and fresh. It definitely is not stagnant, that would be smelly and unproductive. Our lives are always productive, even in our resting and waiting times God is restoring and building us up. The water in psalm 23 is probably full of fish and sweet-smelling. Our stream is going somewhere, guided gently by God, it has a destination. As it flows it is gathering wisdom and discernment. Others can join in and their lives can also be overflowing with joy and purpose.
In this environment the noise and babble of the world will be shut out; the water will be restorative, cleansing and invigorating. It will be like the river in Revelation. Our God is so good to us, to give us this peaceful place. The rest of the 23rd psalm talks of the valley of death and our enemies, but God in His love give us this peaceful time and His comfort for evermore.