rest

My Cup Overflows

Even in the things that threaten to break our peace, we can know that God is aware of all things and in Him there is rest. God’s preparation is always perfect, affording us what is needed, blessing us according to His bountiful grace.

Fall is settling in. The nights are becoming cool, the air feels crisp. One by one, leaves are beginning to turn color and float to their resting place on the ground. I’m thinking about pumpkins and warm cinnamon spiced apple cider. This year, our east coast family will be joining us for Thanksgiving. My heart swells with the thought of having all my children and grandchildren together under one roof. Of course, this means I will be planning and preparing what I hope will be a safe, restful place where we can relax and enjoy one another along with some delicious food. The cloth napkins will be ironed, the table set just so, the rooms made ready for those visiting. As we gather together, our hearts will be united in our thanksgiving to God for His grace in our lives. My cup overflows.

Ps 23:5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Prepare <arak> to set in a row, arrange, put in order, direct, handle, prepare

When we speak of preparing something, we are getting something ready for a particular purpose. We may prepare for a visit by packing, we may prepare food to eat. We prepare for things all day long as we follow schedules or anticipate events. When you consider the act of preparation, usually you have something or someone in mind. Even the simple act of preparing for the day ahead involves thinking about the activities you may be involved in, what clothing you might need and where you should be at what time.

I have often forgotten to bring something with me or have picked up just what I need at the store except one item! Even with a list, I can fall short of preparing things the exact way I imagined. I’ve taken a wrong turn in following directions and then even in all my good intentions, I can run out of time and find myself late for whatever I was supposed to be ready for. In Psalm 23:5, David tells us that God prepares a table before him in the presence of his enemies. Consider the character of God – He is perfect. There will be nothing forgotten or left out. God’s provision is perfect even in the midst of others seeking to destroy David.

This conveys a picture of calm in the midst of a storm. All around may be adversity yet we can have peace and confidence in God’s perfect security, and His preparation for His children. We don’t have people waiting to harm us as the Psalmist did, but we do have distractions. Even in the things that threaten to break our peace, we can know that God is aware of all things and in Him there is rest. God’s preparation is always perfect, affording us what is needed, blessing us according to His bountiful grace.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this about the beginning of Psalm 23:5 – “Here the second allegory begins. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security.”

Consider. Where do your blessings come from? Where does your help come from? When have you experienced ‘calm’ in the midst of a storm? Who is responsible for the peace you can have when things are difficult?

2Th 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God’s children are blessed with His extraordinary kindness. He not only provides food, but a feast, a most sumptuous feast, with great care and order, set before His children. (cf Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary)

Ps 22:26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him will praise the LORD. Let your heart live forever!

Ps 31:19 How great is Thy goodness, Which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee, Which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men!

Joh 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

“Oh! The peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances!” Treasury of David

Ps 23:5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

We need to look back at the custom of the day to understand better the meaning of anointing someone with oil. A distinguished guest at a feast would have perfumed oil poured on their head. “In the East the people frequently anoint their visitors with some very fragrant perfume; and give them a cup or glass of some choice wine, which they are careful to fill till it runs over. The first was designed to show their love and respect; the latter to imply that while they remained there, they should have an abundance of everything. To something of this kind the psalmist probably alludes in this passage.” Samuel Burder, TOD. Remember the account in the Gospels, of the woman who poured oil on Jesus’s head. She was doing what was customary and had been neglected. This was a picture of her placing honor on Jesus and believing in Him.

Mt 26:6-7 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it upon His head as He reclined [at the table.]

Perhaps the picture for us is the anointing of the Holy Spirit within our lives as God’s children. Each day and in every circumstance we can be refreshed in the presence of God. His grace is available to us, we need only to stop and be filled. One commentary said that anointing oil was the symbol of gladness.

“Thou anointest my head with oil. Thou hast not confined thy bounty merely to the necessaries of life, but thou hast supplied me also with its luxuries.” In A plain Explanation of Difficult Passages in the Psalms, 1831.

“…the precious perfumed oil of thy grace which thou dost mysteriously pour upon our souls” Jean Baptiste Massillon, 1663-1742, TOD

Joh 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

1Jo 2:27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.

The last part of Psalm 23:5 reads “My cup overflows”. We will never run out of God’s provision. His protection, His peace and calm even in the midst of difficulty, and His loving care for us is readily available to all who love Him. And His provisions are more than enough, overflowing in their bounty.

Ps 23:5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Something that overflows signifies a surplus. Do you see the blessings of God flooding your life? Do you take the time to recognize His outpouring of love upon you?

Ps 16:5 The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; Thou dost support my lot.

Our Psalmist recognized God’s overabundance of blessings in his life. Even while his enemies planned evil against him, they found themselves looking on, perhaps in envy, at the least in amazement, at the supply of God’s blessings in David’s life. We have a picture of reliance on God for His blessings and trusting in Him through difficulties and dangers.

The truths in Psalm 23:5 should provoke a response from us. Read the verse again.

Ps 23:5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Ps 116:12-13 What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me? 13 I shall lift up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

Eph 3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Thank you God for Your abundant care in all circumstances; thank you God for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and Your guidance; thank you God for the numerous and overflowing blessings poured out upon Your children. It is for God’s glory that we call upon His name as we recognize His abundant blessings in our lives. It is for God’s glory that we rely upon His provision in the midst of all circumstances as we expectantly wait on His plan. It is for God’s glory that others see His work in our lives in the hope that they also repent and seek righteousness through Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

Quiet Waters, Psalm 23:2

Psalm 23:2

Following is a Bible Study for the assisted living home my Mom resides at. I’ve been reminded how important it is to continue to labor for God even as age sets in, wherever we are placed and whatever our physical condition. The blessings are all mine as I meet these individuals, mostly in their eighties, nineties and beyond, and they sweetly pray or read scripture out loud in their quiet, crackling voices! May all of us continue to walk worthy of our calling well into the frailties of old age …

Last month:

What does it mean personally to be able to say, “The Lord is my shepherd”?

Explain the words, “I shall not want”.

Ps 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

The Lord gives us rest.

Consider. Would you put sheep in a land of waste, weeds and dried up grasses? Why not?

Green pastures literally means tender green grasses or herbs, a pleasant place. This is what we find in God. Not just rest, but nourishment. All that is needed to fill our soul with peace and rest is found in Him.

Consider. How does this work? We don’t literally find a pasture to lie down in, right? (Although, it sounds appealing!) As a child of God, we find rest in His truths written for us in His Word. Look back again to the first verse of this Psalm: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. What are these "green pastures" but the Scriptures of truth -- always fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. When by faith we are enabled to find rest in the promises, we are like the sheep that lie down in the midst of the pasture; we find at the same moment both provender and peace, rest and refreshment, serenity and satisfaction”. Treasury of David

Does the fact of His care give you peace? Does the truth of His provision for everything you might need, put your mind at rest? Consider who you are and who God is. When we understand the assurance we have in Him and His grace towards us, we find safety and comfort.

Our Psalmist, David, was a shepherd so he well knew about pastures. At that time, a green pasture where the sheep were placed was often a penned in area where they not only had new spring grass to eat but also were safe and could rest without the threat of attack. If you’ve ever had teenagers or young adults in your house you understand the idea of going to ‘sleep’ with one eye open! You go to bed but really don’t get any rest until you hear the return of your ‘kids’, knowing they are safely home. Only then do you truly rest without concern. The rest we find in Jesus’ arms is completely satisfying because we know we are in the arms of safety, we don’t have to keep an ear listening or an eye open. We can trust in God’s care for us at all times and in every situation. He has everything under control.

The second half of Psalm 23:2 says, He leads me beside quiet waters.

Let’s think for a moment about water in general. The ocean can be beautiful when it’s calm and quiet, but also, it can be treacherous during a storm with large waves crashing all around. The sound of a gentle brook spilling over pebbles is relaxing and almost mesmerizing. Yet, when heavy rains cause water to flow fast, that same brook can become deadly in its power to devour the earth around it.

Consider, quiet waters. The words used to define quiet (or still in the KJV), are peace, comfort, ease and rest. God provides rest in a world where things are happening around us all the time. We have schedules, deadlines, dates to remember, expectations put upon us, and responsibilities required of us. Most of you, even in your latter years living in a place where some responsibility has been lifted off your shoulders, still have a list of things to get done or remember. Several of you probably are expected to make certain phone calls. Most of you still need to keep track of a meal schedule and several activities that are provided for you to take part in.

When we think of quiet waters, or a tranquil place, it is rest from all things around us. I treasure my ‘quiet’ time each morning. I turn off my phone, sit at my desk in the office and engross myself in God’s word. This is a place where I don’t think of a schedule, or a list of responsibilities or my concerns or worries. I just rest in God’s truths as I read and study my Bible and I am filled with the peace He offers. This is quiet waters, a hub where there is no disturbance, a place of calm.

My husband has suffered from multiple sclerosis for years, almost since the year we were married. He now has a brain affliction that is causing his personality and thinking to change. It is sad and scary to watch and it would be so easy to become fearful and focus on what might be. But this will not change the future God has planned and it will only feed into a heart that could be overtaken with the “what ifs”. Instead, I choose to find peace and rest and quietness of heart in God’s truths. How does this practically work, what does it look like? When the temptation to become fearful of the future begins to set in, I think of what is true. The truth is, none of us know the future and before our fears ever become real, something else could happen. In other words I can become overwhelmed by something that may never be. Instead, I can concentrate on today, on this moment, and what I have in Christ. Right now, I have an opportunity to invest in others; right now, I can make memories; right now, I can know that God promises to walk every step of the way with me into His perfect plan.

Where are you refreshed? Where do you find rest and safety? What helps you to focus on all things that are good and right and true, instead of the negative and unknowns?

We’re in the middle of summer months right now and we have experienced temperatures over 100˚. In countries where hot afternoons are common, the practice is to lie down for a bit in the afternoon in a cool place, out of the beating sun. The picture of a green, grassy field with a slowly meandering stream brings a sense of relief from the scorching heat.

Eze 34:15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD.

Have you ever been lost? Most of us have been lost at one time or another. Two such incidents quickly come to my mind. Once I was driving from a very long distance with my three young children. After driving all day and into the night, I was excited to think we would finally be home in about an hour or so. Unfamiliar with the freeway system and in a day when technology had not yet provided a GPS system, I was left to my own sense of direction to navigate. Unfortunately, I made a wrong decision and drove myself and my children a few hours out of our way. Upon realizing my mistake, I’m thankful God protected us and gave me the energy and focus to get us all home safely. Another instance that comes to mind is much more embarrassing! Eons ago, I drove an ambulance for a living. This was back in the day of using a Thomas Guide. Reading a map well was essential for this position when time was of the essence. You had to depend on your work partner to give you correct directions while you maneuvered through traffic with lights and siren blaring. Printed maps did not always keep up with real construction changes. As a result, there were a few times when it seemed like you were circling the place of emergency without reaching the exact location. When you did finally arrive, the looks from bystanders said it all.

We all get lost, in all sorts of ways. Not just in direction, but in purpose. There is a familiar phrase most of us have heard, of someone ‘losing their way’. This means the bigger picture is lost, distractions along the way change our planned direction. Psalm 23:2 says “He leads me…” Matthew Poole’s Commentary remarks, “He leadeth me, lest I should wander and perish”. God leads us to what is good, to where we can rest when needed, to safety. God protects His sheep; He sustains them, carrying them when necessary, guiding them gently to Himself. God’s care for us will not end on earth. God’s children can look forward to the promise of being in His presence forever.

Re 7:16-17 "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes."

Our lives are a journey. We are expected to take part in this journey with action. We have been given a guide. Psalm 23:2 tells us that God is our guide, He is the One who leads us. He even knows when we may need to be led by the quiet waters and away from a storm.

God is good – He leads us to green pastures and unlike a green grassy knoll we may envision, God’s provision is never picked bare, it doesn’t turn brown with seasons; He leads us to quiet waters where drought cannot touch His constant source of refreshment. Do you depend on His provision for you in green pastures and quiet waters?

Sheep.

God will provide for us, He will feed us, He will preserve us for His purposes, He will sustain us, He will defend and protect us and He will care for us in every conceivable way.

Sheep. Timid animals that need direction and protection. The keeper of a flock of sheep is called a shepherd.

While in Arizona last week, we were on our way to an animal rescue reserve when we happened upon Jerome, an old copper mining town built into the sides of Cleopatra Hill overlooking the Verde Valley. It is located in the Black Hills of Yavapai County and was founded in the late 19th century. We changed our plans and enjoyed the day walking around this small town. At one point we entered a historic tire manufacturer turned artist’s gallery. Inside, the old warehouse was sectioned off into separate displays. One of the sections had two exhibits, glass blowing on one wall, clay figurines on the other. It was incredible to see examples of the creativity God has endowed to certain individuals! As we walked out of the stall, I couldn’t help but notice a sign posted that had big arrows pointing to each side that read, ‘the religious views on the that side  don’t reflect the views on this side ’. Wow, you could immediately feel the tension that must be going on. We walked farther into the building and found the same clay figures we had seen earlier with handwritten scripture displayed throughout. I had the opportunity to speak to the owner and it was sad to hear of the tension going on between different artists. In an adjoining section, beautiful clay forms had been sculpted depicting scenes from the Bible. Although spiritual warfare was present, Truth was shining and God was protecting his ambassadors with His care. It was fun to be able to encourage the owner to keep on keeping on. I was given permission to use the photos I took of his wife’s original artwork for my blog. I would have loved to purchase a large piece of art but settled on a small sheep as I thought of God’s tender care for us as the Great Shepherd of our souls.

In Ezekiel chapter 34, God reprimands those who were to care for the nation of Israel. The Levite priests had become more interested in their own welfare and advancement rather than taking the time and energy involved in truly shepherding God’s people. As God puts forth His judgment on those who ceased to acknowledge Him, He also gives His promise that He will take care of His flock.

Eze 34:11-16a. 11[a] For thus says the Lord GOD, [b]"Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. 13 "And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land. 14[a] "I will feed them in a good pasture, [b] and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD. 16a "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick;

Eze 34:11a For thus says the Lord GOD,

This is God’s answer to those who had been unfaithful to care for His people and His promise to those who had been neglected.

Eze 34:11b Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.

“the construction is emphatical in the Hebrew and well expressed here; I, the Owner, the Lover, the Maker, the great Shepherd, even I, who committed them to your care, never submitted them to your rapine and cruelty, am as angry with you for devouring them as I am zealous for their welfare.” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

God Himself will search for His children. He will pursue you, He will seek after you, He will care for you!

Consider. The Lord God will not let His children stay lost! Just as a shepherd gathers and guides the sheep, God will be certain to account for each of His children.

Eze 34:12 "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.

What does it mean to care for someone? WordWeb gives us the following ideas of this meaning: to have a fondness for, to be attached to, to cherish, hold dear, treasure. And these descriptions are only what man can perceive. Imagine how much more a holy and perfect God cares for those He loves! We truly are never alone. We may feel lost but we are not lost to God if we’re His children. Even in situations where we seem to be the only ones promoting Truth, God has His hand on us, caring for us.

“As a shepherd doth gently gather them together, counteth them, brings them to the fold, views what they have suffered, whether lame or torn, and binds up, and healeth; if any are wanting, he looks till he findeth them, and brings them back; so will I, saith the Lord. If the shepherd find the wolf or lion among them or near them, he will either kill or drive him away; so will God …” Matthew Poole’s Commentary

I love that we have a descriptive text of the extent that a shepherd would go to care for the flock in 1Samuel 17:34-35. But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.

As I was searching to find insight on the words ‘cloudy and gloomy day’ in Ezekiel 34:12, I was led to all spectrums of interpretation. The words themselves mean what they say. One commentary said it referred to ‘the day of their affliction and misery’. Another seemed to associate this phrase with ‘times of general distress and persecution’. Then I was led to scripture with the same overtone.

Zep 1:15 A day of wrath is that day, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

Joe 2:2 A day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, so there is a great and mighty people; there has never been anything like it, nor will there be again after it to the years of many generations.

The cloudy day; when the storm first began to arise from abroad or at home; here in persecutions, there in warlike preparations. Dark day; that the land was invaded till the desolation of Jerusalem, the times of maladministration of their own governors, and violent irruption of their enemies. Matthew Poole’s Commentary

We’ll concentrate on what is certain – we are under the perfect protection of God. Now and in the future. When things seem at their worse, we need not despair or fear. We have a Shepherd who will not let us be devoured by anything sinister. Even in the darkest, gloomiest of times, we have a light to guide us safely through the storm.

Eze 34:13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.

Jer 23:3-4 "Then I Myself shall gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and shall bring them back to their pasture; and they will be fruitful and multiply. "I shall also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.

We may not be led back to the land of Canaan as the Israelite nation was, but the promise to care for us remains true. God will provide for us, He will feed us, He will preserve us for His purposes, He will sustain us, He will defend and protect us and He will care for us in every conceivable way. Sheep are timid and defenseless. They are readily preyed upon. A person who is sheepish is usually vulnerable and follows along rather than stand strong. God knows His children need to be cared for. And He has given His promise that He will Shepherd us. This is truly amazing if you stop to consider who we are and who He is. God continues to lay out His promises to the Israelite nation in Ezekiel 34:14.

Eze 34:14a I will feed them in a good pasture

feed <ra’ah> to tend a flock; pasture it; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend) …

good <towb> as an adverb (well): beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease; … graciously, joyful, kindly, loving

God will rule His own and graciously tend to them. And this is not just throwing food and water to us as you might tend an animal. If you are His child, you will be able to look back at the countless times God has guided you through difficulty. Even foolish decisions we have been allowed to make, have been turned into times of learning and growing in our understanding of Him and for His glory. My husband and I were revisiting the years leading up to our meeting and it is so clear that God was directing both of our paths towards each other as we followed Him. We were both saved through divorces neither of us chose. We were baptized the same day, same place, same church albeit unknown to us. He was praying for a family to lead, I was praying for a leader, a husband and dad to my young children. I could go back even further into our history but for the sake of length I won’t. Coincidence or Providence: “the guardianship and control exercised by a deity”? I believe that none of the events, or timing, were accidental! I challenge you to take the time to recognize God’s shepherding in your life.

There are no coincidences! A coincidence is defined as, “An event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental” (WordWeb). However, there is a God-ordained plan for our lives and it is full of circumstances purposefully arranged in order to bring glory to Himself. God allows and even determines the times of dark and cloudy days.

Consider. When circumstances are difficult whether by your own doing or another’s, don’t you learn to appreciate even more the times of quiet and rest? Each relationship and each condition God has put in your path, has allowed you to learn something. That’s called being shepherded by a tender, all-knowing, merciful and perfect Father in Heaven.

Ezekiel 34:14b-15 goes on to paint a picture in detail how God will care for His people: and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD.

Ps 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Consider. God provides all that we need to grow physically and spiritually. Are you eating in His good grazing grounds, are you resting in His rich pastures?

Isa 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

Jer 31:25 "For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes."

Joh 10:9 "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Consider. Does God at any point in time forget His children who have wandered away? Or leave behind those who have been misled? What happens to those who are broken-hearted or seemingly destroyed? Are the weak and afflicted cast aside never to be remembered by Him?

Eze 34:16a I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick;

Isa 40:11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry [them] in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing [ewes.]

Mt 18:11-14 For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? And if it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.

Sheep: A timid defenseless simpleton who is readily preyed upon; a docile and vulnerable person who would rather follow than make an independent decision. WordWeb

“Sheep have little ability to defend themselves; Even if sheep survive an attack, they may die from their injuries or simply from panic.” “The illustration [of the Good Shepherd] encompasses many ideas, including God’s care for his people. The tendency of humans to put themselves into danger’s way and their inability to guide and take care of themselves apart from the direct power and leading of God …” Wikipedia (sheep/shepherd)

Most of us have heard or read Psalm 23. Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “It is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God’s great goodness and dependence upon Him”.

Ps 23. (A Psalm of David.) 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

God is our Shepherd. In Him we find peace and guidance. He will comfort us when we are fearful or in distress. We can calmly walk forward through all circumstances in His care. We can be brave when surrounded by evil. God is sovereign, He has conquered sin and gives to His sheep a hope that will never die. We are able to find complete satisfaction in His provision. He promises His goodness and mercy shall follow each step we take.

Sheep. Timid, defenseless creatures. But, with Christ as their Shepherd, they are brave and completely protected from harm as they are led on a path of righteousness through His mercy and in His grace to an everlasting hope of His presence forevermore.

Be Still

Yes, I know; be still. It’s okay. Trust. No need to get all worked up. Take a deep breath. Shhhhh.

Babies. Toddlers. Busyness. Constantness. Nap time. Needed!

Most of us can relate to the sudden, sweet quiet of a busy home during nap time or when, finally, children are in bed for the night. The atmosphere quiets down and suddenly you are able to actually think, or get something done, or just be still and breathe deeply for a few moments. I remember cherishing that small piece of quiet time where my brain could reorganize with no interruptions. We should wave a banner that says, ‘Adults need quiet time too’!

Or, picture a quickly beating heart stirred from emotions of excitement or fear or anger or uncertainty or even pleasure. Think of speech that elevates in volume or has become nervously fast. The rushing around of needing to get things done. The feeling that you have to do something right now or fix a problem immediately. Sometimes we can feel like we’re on a playground merry-go-round. You know, the metal ones that have the bars you hold onto and then the ‘strong’ kid comes and decides to spin it really fast while you desperately try to hold on without getting sick?!

Be still.

2Ki 2:1-5 And it came about when the LORD was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here please, for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they went down to Bethel. 3 Then the sons of the prophets who [were at] Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he said, "Yes, I know; be still." 4 And Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets who [were] at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, "Do you know that the LORD will take away your master from over you today?" And he answered, "Yes, I know; be still."

<chashah> to hush or keep quiet:--hold peace, keep silence, be silent, (be) still.

Elisha was totally aware that God had plans for Elijah. Only Enoch had been taken up to heaven in the same manner without a physical death. Others wanted to talk about it. As Elijah was making his rounds making his last visits, probably saying good bye, Elisha was being questioned both at Bethel and again at Jericho. You can almost hear the prophets saying, ‘Oh my, you know what’s going on right, what are you going to do?’ or ‘Can you believe what’s going to happen?’ This must have been hard for Elisha. Consider, this was the one he had followed and walked through Jordan with. He learned from Elijah. And what was Elisha’s response to the questions? Yes, I know; be still. It’s okay. Trust. No need to get all worked up. Take a deep breath. Shhhhh. We know it was hard for Elisha to say farewell to his friend and mentor, 2Ki 2:12 And Elisha saw [it] and cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!" And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces, but he gives us a great example of trusting God for His plan. What did he ask? For God’s blessing to be upon him. 2Ki 2:9 Now it came about when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you." And Elisha said, "Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." Not for God to change the plan. Be still. Hold your peace. Be silent. Trust.

Do we accept God’s plan? Choose to not question even if it seems ‘out of this world’ impossible? Even when we know it will cause pain through loss?

Turn to Nehemiah. Ne 8:11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved." We see the Levites repeating to those who could not hear Nehemiah to lay aside their worry, their pain, their anger, displeasure, and grievances. Anything that was a distraction from worship. Be still. Right now, be still. For a time, be still.

<hacah> to hush:--hold peace (tongue), (keep) silence, be silent, still.

When I read the above definition, I immediately thought to the struggle I had in keeping my talk silent. Some of us feel uncomfortable with silence when we’re with others or we feel there should be a conversation developing. Learning to be okay with unresponsiveness and not feeling the need to ‘fill in the gaps’ has been an incredible tool God has taught me in improving my listening and understanding of others. Silence is good. It gives us time to digest words said earlier. It gives us time to think. It gives others time to think. Try it! Stop talking and be still.

Are we able to put our cares aside as we come before the Lord in worship and prayer? Do the concerns on our heart shadow our ability to fully rejoice in Him? Can we rest in His holiness?

Ps 4:4 Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

<damam> to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish:--cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

Read the first five verses of this Psalm. Hear David’s call to God for his own safety, for the concern of others and then his trust in knowing God hears him and finally his response to wait. Be still.

Ps 4:1-5 (For the choir director; on stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.) Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? [How long] will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. 3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. 4 Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.

Can we focus on the amazing wonder of God, quiet our heart and trust in His plan and care for all things?

Hush. Keep quiet. Hold your peace. Be silent. Cease speaking. Be astonished. Stop. Quiet your heart. Rest. Wait. Be still.

Tag: rest

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