Hello there
I am an island girl who enjoys and is soothed by water – rivers, lakes, oceans and seas. But; this island girl does NOT swim (no worries, I’m told the disciples didn’t swim either!). What it means is that while I might play in the water for a bit, I try to avoid the deep and I usually volunteer for the lifeguard on land role at camps.
Sheep are woolly for most of their lives – even as lambs. And while they might relish the opportunity to get cool occasionally, water is not always their friend. Hold both concepts in mind as we consider today’s Holy Nougat
“He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.” PSALMS 23:2 AMP
It took a few near misses for me to fully appreciate the danger inherent in large bodies of water for non-swimmers. And with wool loving water as it does, it is possible that even still waters presented a serious threat to sheep. The weight of the wool could possibly drag them down. And that doesn’t factor in the possible dangers lurking in the river ways.
A shepherd would have to be vigilant, ensuring the sheep did not stray INTO the waters which could lead to their death. Of course, the sheep might not necessarily be alert to the danger. Hence the sheep go beside the water; not into the still waters.
What does still water represent in our lives? And how did we discover the danger? Was there ever a time when we were led beside such waters and resented the restraint? Only to discover the near miss (never mind if you have several; that’s be many of us).
God’s role as The Good Shepherd in our lives sometimes requires us being led away from our desires as they could be fatal. At times 20/20 hindsight affords us the chance to see what we escaped. But not always. And some of us question God, sometimes even are disappointed with God, when we are rescued prematurely from danger.
Could this be the moment we choose to a) thank God for rescuing us; b) seek forgiveness for our stubbornness and c) ask for continued coverage and leadership in navigating waterholes which could be dangerous waters? And we could just thank God for being so caring.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
