We Can Choose to Be Led to Peaceful Streams

A deep thirst, have you had one? Not the type you get when you work out. I’m thinking about the vague feeling of not being able to settle. I turn the tv on, but I’m still restless.  Check social media, nope. But there is an answer. We can choose to allow ourselves to be led to peaceful streams. And drink the water that satisfies like none other.

I have turned over a lot of rocks in my quest to feel at peace. I’ve tried different relaxation techniques, working hard, striving to please people, and new hobbies.

It’s funny, but all that time, effort, and money, with no lasting results.

But the answer is right here. Embedded In one of the first Bible verses I memorized. The 23^rd Psalm, The LORD is my Shepherd.

“He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³     He renews my strength.” Psalm 23:2-3b (NLT)

Do you think I didn’t notice it because the promise just seems too simple?

I must confess that I usually stay clear of simple answers to complex problems. Especially ones that involve me giving up control. Being led just seems terrifying.

What if I don’t like where I’m going? Or how about if we get lost – what then? I think my control issues are peeking through. I wonder if you have any too.

Know Who is Leading You Before You Start

Whether we are on a physical journey, knowing our leader is essential. For instance, I would be a terrible navigator on a trip. My impaired sense of direction causes me to be thankful for GPS.

But in Psalm 23 it is the LORD who leads us. Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd. In John 10:11 he says he will sacrifice his life for his sheep. I believe that he did just that for us. He gave his physical life, so we can have eternal life.

In John 10:14 Jesus says that he knows his sheep and they know him. I can trust him. He knows not only my name but also just what I need. (And he will provide it.)

As a result, I will not get lost when he leads. 

Since he knows what I need, I do not have to worry about not liking the stream he is leading me to.

I can release my need to control since the One who is leading is worthy of taking control.

He will lead me to peaceful streams in just the right way.

Here’s a link to a short audio clip explaining more about being led, and our good shepherd. It’s by Beryl Moore, one of my mentors. I think you will enjoy it.

Learn to Enjoy Peaceful Streams

For a time, I wondered if peaceful streams were really what I wanted. Do you ever prefer excitement rather than peace? Perhaps the adrenaline rush of completing a deadline that seemed impossible. Or maybe swooping in to fix a family crisis with a minute to spare?

Not too long ago, I found myself with fewer deadlines and (thankfully) no crises.  After the initial re-orienting, I found myself enjoying peace.

The peaceful streams that we are led to give us all that we need. As I drink deeply, I get to know more about Jesus. I understand how he sees me, which changes the way I see myself.

I no longer feel the need to find my identity in what I do. My quests to be distracted or amused are no longer needed.

As long as I drink at the peaceful stream.

Spending less time and energy on futile quests and having a clearer picture of who I am, results in me being strengthened.  

Do you think you will experience that too? I do because Jesus, the good shepherd, knows just what you need as well.

Will you choose to allow yourself to be led to peaceful streams and drink the water that satisfies like none other?