By the Still Waters

As a country preacher in the lowlands of eastern Carolina I lived literally by still waters. Here is a serene retreat for him who cares to live a day at a time with leisure to “linger, list, and dream.” For one who easily grows tired of modernity’s mad masquerade it is pleasant to return to these tranquil lowlands. Is it not significant that most of the men of God in the Bible knew best the fields, the pastures, the woods, and waterways? Abel, the keeper of sheep; Abraham, Joseph, Moses, learning their deepest lessons among the flocks; David, the ideal shepherd-boy, whose later psalms breathe so often the spirit of early days among the quiet hills; Amos, the herdsman, John the Baptist, the fishermen-disciples, and, above all, the Lord Jesus – these knew the way of the still waters. But drowsy waters alone cannot rest the soul. Yet these pleasant waterways of earth have their counterpart in the Word: “He leadeth me beside the still waters.” In the terrific pace of this age men break in body, mind, and spirit, and he who knows not God’s waters of quietness knows no peace at any price. It is not a mood, “a feeling fond and fugitive.” It is a matter of faith, taking God at his Word. We reach the still waters when we cease being Ponce de Leons, looking for an elusive fountain of youth, and humbly follow the Good Shepherd to the green pastures. Do you know the waters of his rest?