still Water
STILL
WATER
Psalms Chapter 23
4
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Often
we have read these words of wisdom. We have heard them and many can
quote them. But, they are not just words but promises of God
“us-ward.” A herder of sheep will seek out the very best and
greenest pasture and lead his sheep there to graze. He knows that
sheep do not relish drinking from rushing water, He leads
them beside pool of standing water. The
blessing
of salvation
are the still waters of
life that
we
enjoy. He leads us there by the Holy Spirit;
our
streams flow from the Fountain
of living waters. Our
Lord said that we like sheep ‘oft times go astray’. A good
shepherd will seek
and return again straying sheep. Thus the master of the herd will be
well pleased with his labor when his report is “I have lost none
that you have given me.”
Passing
through the dark valleys between tall mountains where danger lurks,
a skilled shepherd has weapons with which to ward away predators.
Nervous
sheep he keeps together by the crook in his rod. It serves as a hook
to direct them into the narrow path through the valley as they
journey to the high ground where there is safety, luscious green
grass and shade trees beneath which they
slumber and chew their cud. We
do so in the ordinances of God. His
rod (a
thin straight bar, especially of wood or metal.)
and staff (a
long stick used by shepherds
when following or
climbing behind the flock or
as a weapon; also
steel rods used to reinforce concrete).
"A
shepherd's staff" is a stout whittled or specially shaped club
like stick used for protection. In this Psalm, the rod and staff
eludes to the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Having stood the test
of time and trials, Saints are anointed with blessings and the Holy
Spirit even as non believers and persecutors look on in wonder.
- Our valley of the shadow of death denotes the most severe and terrible of afflictions. Between the living and the dead in Christ, death lies like a dark valley that must be passed in going from one to the other. We see this as only the shadow of death. Shadows cannot harm us. It is a valley of the unknown, and miry; but fruitful of comforts to God's people. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the children and Bride of Christ. God will go with us to the end of the world and back.
- Satan and lovers of Satan are not able to destroy our comforts, We are anointed with the Holy Spirit, and sip from the cup of salvation. Goodness and mercy of God will follow us all the days of our lives. We are satisfied that we will enjoy his love for ever in our prepared place in heaven. Meanwhile we may not escape the coming dark valley.
- Luke 12: 50 “But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
- In the turmoil of the days at hand, walk in comfort in obedience to God and the ordinances of man.
- Matthew 10:35 “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” Pray my dear Brothers and Sisters that you be not led away with issues of the day. Teach those in turmoil: Matthew 3:2 “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
- Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
It
is not our authority to decide the will of God but to accept it.
God’s will will be done. Know God, know peace. Amen. 04-04-2020 BLL
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