Yet it seems to have lost its meaning for many of us. Including me, of course. (After all, they say that when you point your finger at someone, there are four fingers pointing back at you.)
But this morning this scripture came to life for me again..
I attended a Walk thru the Bible seminar last weekend and not only did I learn, but I also had a great time doing it! This morning, I was reviewing my seminar notes. I had even dug through my basement to find my notebook from the seminar I attended in the '80s. I had worked my way up to Psalms in my review and I came across a page in my old notebook about applying scripture to your life. The table headings are: Read, Visualize, Memorize, Ponder, Pray, and Worship.
The example was Psalm 23:2-3, which reads "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul."
Now most of us would immediately visualize sheep. (These particular sheep I photographed in England.)
Most of us also probably don't have any real experience with sheep.
Including me!
But I do have experience with horses. When I got up this morning, I did what I always do: go to the kitchen for food! My mother always teased me about that. "Theresa's feet hit the floor in the morning and head for the kitchen."
Anyway, I did just that. When I got to the window over my sink, I spotted a large white mass on the ground where there is normally nothing but grass. Curious, I opened the curtains and gazed out. It was one of my horses, sprawled out, enjoying the warm ground on a very cold spring morning. A little to her right was her pasture mate, lying down but upright, contentedly nibbling on spring grass. They were absolutely enjoying the peace and quiet of the morning.
Yet I've always been amazed that such majestic, huge animals flee at the slightest perceived danger. They weigh over 1000 pounds, but they are prey. Their instinct is to flee for their lives.
Before me were two creatures, calm and peaceful as could be.
Then it struck me. This is the calm that God offers. This is the peace, the contentment, the security. We might be surrounded by dangers, seen and unseen, but God is with us. He leads us beside quiet waters.
How do we get this peace?
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3
So now you've read it. You've visualized it. You've probably memorized Psalm 23 at some point in your life. Now ponder over it and Isaiah 26:3. And when you're done, pray for a steadfast mind and a trusting heart. Ask Him to give you peace. Then praise Him for it!!
