AT THE RIVER'S EDGE

He leads me beside quiet waters.  Psalm 23:2  NIV

In this Psalm, our Shepherd leads, guides, is with us, prepares a table for us, is before our enemies, and is following behind us.  Notice all the places God and His Son are.  We are surrounded. 

We need God to be in front leading us like He did with the Israelites in the desert.  Just as He did with Gideon, David, Paul, and Silas.  We need Him behind us because we need the coverage, the assurance we are not left without protection from the enemy in his scheming ways from behind. 

We are in the very center of God's Presence. 

He leads us to quiet waters.  Not the raging storm waters, but the quiet river ones - the ones which trickle over river rock and collect in pools for reflection.  Waters which give time for refreshment and rest.  Time where the noise is drowned out by the still Presence of God. 

A place where we can just be and be still with our Shepherd. 

I like to imagine these moments of a sheep with his/her Shepherd.  Not a time of punishment because the sheep was found after wandering, brought back with head hanging low, nor a time of medical attention (although required at times), but a time of enjoyment for both sides of the relationship.  A companionship time where words are not necessary as presence is everything. 

A painting of our sheep in our pasture - done by my daughter, Abigail.

And as a sheep we wander, go off on our own, get forgetful of the time, want to do our own thing. But God, as our Shepherd, also knows we need the leading because, if left on our own we go too far and get depleted and deflated, worn out and washed up. 

This year, I have needed this time by the river.  This time to just be.  So much has demanded my attention, my emotions, my thoughts.  I am exhausted.  I need to be quickened by His Spirit and refreshed by His Presence.  I need the alone time with my heavenly Father to feel His heartbeat, hear His whisper and smell the scent of heaven. 

Are you needing this too? 

I am at the river's edge, and I promise not to come visit when you end up here too.  It's nice to know the river is big enough for all of us to find the quiet.

PRAYER

Father God, thank You for being My Shepherd.  Thank You for knowing just which part of the river I am needing and which pool I can find comfort and refreshment in.  I praise You for going before, behind and You are standing beside me too.  Your Presence is really all I need.  As I meditate on You today, may Your love wash over me, in abundance, in power and filled with hope.  You are so good to me.  Because of Jesus.  AMEN