Still Waters… the Chronicle © 2003 Glenda Wilson

Ps 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. [Rev 7:17.] He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. AMP

I do not know who coined the phrase, “still waters run deep” but it must have been a spiritual genius. Indeed the deep things of God are imparted by the still waters.—where the soul becomes quiet.

The scripture and the piece speak for themselves. However, I will endeavor to bring more clarity. It is speculated that Ps 23 was at a time when David was once again on the run …this time from his own son. The journey was riddled with ungodly counsel, advice, opinions, betrayal, and distractions. In troubling times, too much noise and too many voices cause confusion. Like David we must say, Lord, lead me beside the still waters.

I began to think of waters symbolic of emotions, which many times cry so loudly that we cannot hear the voice of God. We find waters that are raging, and bitter …the word speaks of many waters. We see stormy waters, turbulent waters, water of strife …so much that distracts us from the place of rest.

As you ponder and gaze upon the Still Waters …they beckon you to come …still yourself. Come away to a place free from the many voices of counsel and opinions. The voice of your soul will lead you beside stormy-turbulent waters. Be still and know that He is God and like Elijah, you will hear the still small voice of the Lord.

There beside the still waters you become free to drink deep, Jesus said, come unto me all who are heavy laden and I shall give you rest. He said drink this water and you shall never thirst again. Intimacy occurs away from the crowds and the noise …there in the secret place He will whisper tenderly and prove His love for you. You will learn what pleases Him …what He desires of you and of the treasures that He desires to give to you. You will experience a divine exchange …all that He is for all you are not.

The picture speaks of coming away and being alone with the Lord. We notice that most of the most memorable giants in the faith were drawn away and tested in the secret place before they were launched into public service for the Lord… Moses for 40 years, a youthful David isolated tending his father’s sheep. Just after Saul had his encounter and was renamed Paul, he went away for several years. He said, I did not confer with, consult, or counsel with any frail human being. Is it possible that they all spent some time beside the “Still Waters” and consulted only with the Lord? 

Gal 1:15-16 But when He, Who had chosen and set me apart [even] before I was born and had called me by His grace (His undeserved favor and blessing), saw fit and was pleased [Isa 49:1; Jer 1:5.] To reveal (unveil, disclose) His Son within me so that I might proclaim Him among the Gentiles (the non-Jewish world) as the glad tidings (Gospel), immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood [did not consult or counsel with any frail human being or communicate with anyone]. AMP

As I was praying about writing this, I was sitting by the pool. I heard the word, “reflection. I thought yes Lord, why didn’t I think of that. After all, the water reflects the wonder and beauty of His creation. See Him reaching out to present the still waters.

What is there to do beside the still waters except reflect on the goodness and greatness of the Lord? As we gaze into the still waters, we begin to see a reflection of who we are and must ask ourselves if we like what we see. In the still quiet presence of the Lord, we become more like him. Though the waters all around may be stormy and turbulent …remain by the still waters until you see His reflection instead of yours. This rendering should be a reflection of your inner man …for Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you.