Psalm 23: 1-3

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.

Written by King David, he recalls his roots as a humble shepherd boy. The peace and comfort he once found in the Great Shepherd remained with him. He embraced the benefit of roots that plunged deep in humility.

David writes this Psalm from the viewpoint of a shepherd. Sheep need the refreshment of water. Why still water? The heavy wool of sheep is more easily saturated in moving water. The added weight of the water makes the sheep vulnerable to sinking and being swept away to drown.

Instinctively, the sheep will avoid moving water. But without a shepherd, their need for refreshment may overcome their instincts, and disaster strikes.

Like sheep, our desires can pull us into the deep, moving waters of temptation. Our Good Shepherd is always ready to lead us back to the still waters.

Father, we are tempted by what we see and hear. We become drawn to a higher position in life or work. Worldly ornaments dangle in front of us. Satan lies, “these are insignificant decisions. They won’t taint your heart; they don’t matter in the big picture of all you do that is good.”

Please lead us back to still waters where we drink of Your love and Your perspective of what matters to the wellness of our souls. In Jesus’ name, Amen