Still Waters

There is a calm in the midst of chaos that no medication can bring.  A quietness that earplugs cannot attain.  The tranquility of the ocean’s shore cannot satisfy this longing of the soul.

Amidst the clamor and busyness of life, I seek.  Not merely the soothing still waters, but the Voice that stills the waters.

I catch glimpses of hurting people as I pass through the crowds.  My heart aches. My body says slow down.  I know the Answer.  I know the Peace Speaker.

I hear the sound of my own voice in my daily walk and I cringe.

Where is my peace? What have I traded it for?

We go about our daily lives surrendering to the hustle and bustle, demanding our own way.  Good will toward men?  We’re too busy guarding ourselves.  As we guard our treasures—our rights, our feelings—the thief comes to steal that which is far more valuable.

I remember having a talk with Courtney when she was several years younger about peace.  “What do you think the enemy is after when he comes to steal from you,” I asked her.  Looking around for her closest possessions, I pointed them out and reminded her that he wasn’t interested in those things.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.  Romans 14:17

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Luke 12:31

Righteousness.  Peace.  Joy in the Holy Ghost. In that order.  Without righteousness, there is no peace.  Without peace, there is no joy.

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

He is our righteousness.

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  Isaiah 32:17

He is our peace.

And in His Presence is fullness of joy.  (Psalm 16:11 KJV)

Though the enemy cannot simply snatch our Salvation from us, he comes to steal the treasures of the Kingdom that we ought to have closely guarded while we cling to our treasures that won’t last.

Our joy is taken, or rather, given up, as we turn our attention to the cares of this world.  We cradle our sorrows and refuse to give them up.  Exchanging our rightful emotions for the joy of the Lord that is our strength, we are weakened.

In our frailty, we attempt to function.  Our thoughts turn from Truth while we entertain the noise of the world.  Despair replaces peace.

Our Salvation is sure as we refuse to surrender it, yet, we are rendered helpless.  Sick Christians bearing little fruit.  How will we help a dying world?

The Answer is still the same.

For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.  Isaiah 30:15

Return.

I return to Him and listen for His voice. His sheep know His voice. (John 10:27) He is my Shepherd. He leads me. . .beside the still waters.

And I am restored.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23