The Psalmist continues in 23:2 saying “…He leads me beside the still waters”, in some translations it is peaceful water. Still waters, stands in contrast to the torrent of rushing mighty water of which the sheep are fearful, probably because of the swift movement and noise, and from which the sheep we are told will not drink! The Hebrew word for still, “Menuchah”, actually means that it is a place of repose, rest, peace, and consolation. It is here that the sheep can relax and partake of the refreshing stream. This goes hand in hand with the green pastures of the first half of the verse so that the sheep are fully cared for. As “His people, the sheep of His pasture” Psalm 100:3, He brings us to fountains of “living water” John 4:10; living water as it implies is life giving, life sustaining, and life producing! It is in contrast to the mucky stagnant water of religion, or the rushing torrents of the world that sweep us away to destruction! Psalm 46:4 says, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.” This peaceful river of supply is found in God’s dwelling place – His presence. This invitation is given by Jesus Christ Himself in John 7:37, “if anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” He leads us to this still and living water, but it is up to us to drink. The scripture In Isaiah 28:12 says, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest And this is the refreshing…” Sadly many today are like those of Isaiah’s day of whom he said “Yet they would not hear.” Those who listen to and follow the shepherd are those who receive this rest and refreshing; of them God says, “I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts” Revelation 21:6.
Life giving water
By Rose Hill
Jesus the shepherd gives water that’s living,
But you must receive what He is giving!
When in God’s presence you will find,
That you will have rest and peace of mind.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.