Beside The Stilled Waters
Psalms 23
KJV
2+ He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
This psalm is the most popular psalm in the scriptures that man has ever recited. It is a prescription for anxiety, depression, hopelessness etc
A careful look at the content suggests that the writer's thought was both reflective and futuristic. It embodies the psalmist's past, present, and future experiences and expectations.
He is in effect saying “Because of what I have experienced with God, I am confident of the future”. Ever heard of the song “ because He lives, I can face tomorrow “Yes that’s the spirit.
This is exactly what the mind of every believer should be. Based on what we have experienced, we look forward with greater hope and encouragement.
The picture or image painted by the verse is one of serenity. It is like sitting at a poolside looking deep into the still water! The serene atmosphere, the fresh air etc all add to heal and restore a down-spirited soul and body.
No wonder he added ;
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
The psalmist is saying God saw how depressed and disillusioned I was, so He made me lie down at a place he described as “ green pastures” As if that is not enough he took me from this place to another which he described as “ still waters” so I can feel the freshness and the breeze!
Dear reader, whose anguished and depressed soul will not be restored at such places? That the writer wrote from experience is reflected by these verses.
Otis Reading, the late soul singer who accidentally died in a plane crash (1967) wrote a song titled “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay “. A line that reads “ watching the ships roll by “ is a picture created from these verses.
Beloved, there is soo much around us that God has freely given to us to revive and rejuvenate our spirits but we are not taking advantage of them. All because we are too “busy” running around!
Freshness and longevity of life are hidden in nature. If we can appreciate and cooperate with nature we shall live healthy and long lives!
Are you lonely, downhearted, etc Take a trip to Shai Hills., to watch the monkeys and birds of many colors, or drive to Aburi stop at the Peduase Point, turn round and take a look at the Accra Plains from that height. Wow, you’ll say.
Funny, any time I drive through and experience this sight it brings to mind what the scriptures said concerning the temptation of Jesus.
Read it;
Matthew 4
KJV
8+ Again, the devil taketh =him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Surely a beautiful and grand scene this must be, similar though on a miniature scale
to what you’ll see from the top of Aburi!
The twenty-third psalm is a prescription, offering us an insight into what can rejuvenate us; read it again and reflect on it. Decide where to visit to refresh your anguished soul! Make it a habit if not a hobby. You’ll be glad you did. Nobody will do it for you.
My take.