More of God’s Presence – Week 3 – Still Waters
Welcome to Week 3 of our series More of God’s Presence! This week we are discussing “still waters”. I would love to hear your thoughts on this part of Psalm 23!
If you missed the first two weeks you can find them here:
Week 1
Week 2
Still Waters
by Micah Maddox
I close my eyes and try to rest.
I replay the day, each trial, each test.
The thoughts of mistakes, the things I said,
The moments I longed to just go to bed.
I want to be the best version of me.
No matter how hard I try, more failure I see.
A still small voice speaks above the self talk,
He says, I am with you wherever you walk.
Stop replaying sin, failure, and strife.
I already forgave. I offered my life.
When you lay your head on your pillow each night,
Ask for forgiveness and dwell on what’s right.
The accuser will tell you there’s no rest to be had.
He stirs up the water and makes a heart sad.
He is the tempter, the father of lies.
Your thoughts are his playground, destruction he tries.
When waves crash high and water rushes in,
Remember God loves you, no matter the sin.
He covers the issues, the problems, the pain.
He forgives transgressions, He stops the rain.
The next time the enemy comes in like a flood,
Speak the name of Jesus! Tell of His blood.
The mountains will quake, tremble, and fall;
The devil knows God is Ruler over all.
The quiet waters, the rest you need,
It lies with the Savior, so take His lead.
As you follow the Shepherd through the valley below,
You will sense His power, His presence you’ll know.
Rest in the stillness where all is right.
Stop tending the issues, it’s not time to fight.
Jesus is waiting with comfort above,
Lay down your head, rest in His love.
The stillness of water, the quiet place He resides,
It’s available to you and me for the rest of our lives.
When life seems impossible and all sleep is lost,
Run to Jesus whatever the cost.
Close your eyes and let rest impart.
Listen to the beat of the Shepherd’s heart.
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23:1-2
I want to hear the voice of God. I want to know that I am experiencing the rest and comfort that only He provides. There are times I fall short and I live in an unsettled season of my own guilt. God never intended us to struggle beneath the weight of forgiven sin. Jesus paid the price when His blood was shed on the cross. My sins have been forgiven! When I allow the enemy to rehash my mistakes, I am closing my ears, mind, and heart to the Shepherd.
Sometimes life leads me to valleys that are difficult to understand. It’s there I learn to walk with my Shepherd. If I get out of reach, I can’t hear His voice and the issues of life cloud His presence from my view. When the waters of life are still, I can hear the sound of His peace that pours over me like rain. But when the waters rise and I’m tossed here and there, I become afraid and I lose my way. What if I stayed so close to Him that I could hear His voice within? That’s where I want to be.
As I think of the quiet waters, I think of being near my Shepherd. I don’t want to go into the water alone. I can’t see what’s beneath the surface and I don’t know when a storm will arise. So I’ll stay right here. I’ll hold on tight and I won’t allow the enemy to remind me of my mistakes.
If the waters aren’t still and quiet, and life seems a bit out of control, I hope you will draw near to the Shepherd. Perhaps the enemy has tried to remind you of the way you’ve failed, Jesus already paid for your sin on the cross. Don’t let the devil try to convince you that you aren’t worthy of the Shepherd’s love. God does love you and He longs to lead His children beside the still waters.
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness for your sins, today is the day! Simply tell God you are sorry and accept Jesus as your Savior. Tell Him you believe Jesus died for you and that He rose from dead. As you begin to follow Jesus, stay close by listening to the still small voice within. Oh how I need God’s presence in my life every single day!
What about you?
For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Love & Blessings,
Micah
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What a beautiful reflection on the truth that God’s forgiveness will supersede our guilt and gives our hearts someplace safe to go when the parade of past sins and failures tempt us to despair. Thank you for this hopeful post!
Michele, You are so welcome! I’m so thankful for that safe place with Jesus.
This is a lovely picture created by your words. When I think of still waters, I remember a small stream at a favorite vacation spot in TN that quiets me always when I see it. It even happens in a photograph I have of it. Still waters, quiet waters turns down and then off the noises inside. Thanks, Micah!
Oh what a beautiful picture God gives us through Psalm 23. Thank you for sharing your own experience!
Psalm 23 is a treasure trove!
Your poem seems like a great way to settle in with the Father at the end of the day. It invites peace and contentment, both gifts from a Father who loves us! Visiting from Sue’s link up.
Kelly, peace and contentment are such a special gift that I am so very thankful for. Thank you for reading today!
I don’t know how people live with Christ daily! This was such a good reminder of how a day to day relationship with Him transforms us!
I don’t know how people live without Him either. I hope you have a lovely day, Shannon!
Micah this is just beautiful! I feel refreshed and restored from reading your words.
Oh Kelly, I’m so glad. God is so good!
Drawing near to the Shepherd even when the waters aren’t still is so important. What a great reminder to draw near to be IN His Presence! Thanks Micah!
Jill, it’s in those times when the waters are rising that I often run to Him, but I’m learning to stay right with Him even in the good times. Thanks for stopping by!
This was such a beautiful poem and post, Micah!
Thank you! Have a blessed day!
So beautiful Micah- I’m really enjoying this little series! Your words blessed me today. Thanks! #IntentionallyPursuing
When I think about calm, still waters, I think about the story of the disciples in the storm with Jesus asleep in the boat. They freaked out and worried they were going to die, yet Jesus slept… completely undisturbed by the chaos around him. I think that’s a beautiful pix of what we have to remember. What causes us anxiety never disturbs Him. He holds the power to calm the sea at any moment, and if He chooses not to, we can move ever closer to Him, being assured that everything in our world is subject to His power.
Love what you are saying, Karen. “What causes us anxiety never disturbs Him.” Also thank you for the reminder that, “everything in our world is subject to His power.” All these things I know, but ALWAYS need reminding. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful words, Micah. Always a joy to come by and visit you here! Many blessings to you!