Beside Quiet Waters

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:2-3

When my world is in chaos and my heart is far from still, He brings me to a safe space and speaks softly to me as I slow down.  He heals and commands calm, when I am still and willing to listen.  He leads me in the way I am to go, in order that I might honor Him.

After the chaos caused by a crazy weekend of challenges and obligations, He brought me before dear ones who are a blessing to me.  He provided His heart and His hope through the kindness of a friend over coffee.  Her genuine care for my well-being, encouraged my heart and eased my mind of the emptiness I often encounter in the middle of a mess.

Throughout the day, little reminders of His love for me were made evident through small and simple things.

In the evening, I was again in the company of another calm and godly woman.  Her heart to hear Him as we spoke, brought healing and hope to mine.  His words and His very heart for me are still echoing in my mind this morning.

Each of my encounters were places of green pasture, surrounded by quiet waters of calm – places where His presence was evident, not because of location, but because of His love in each of their hearts.  When I willingly laid down my walls and allowed truth to be told, it was then that my soul was restored in His complete and caring calm.

I am so grateful that He provides people along our path to help point us in the right direction.  So often, it is the tangible presence of another that He has provided, that make the narrow road navigable.  His nearness becomes seen, heard, touched and embraced as He places His people on our path.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we are not meant to walk this journey alone.  Thank You that You are always with us and that beyond that, You bring people to walk beside us and encourage us when we become weary.  Thank You that You see us and know us, far better than we know our own need.  Thank You that Your timing is perfect and that we may always come to You in our time of need.  Thank You that You are ever near, holding Your arms open wide before us.  We need only to run to You, and we are received.  Thank You for Your magnificent mercy and permanent presence as we move toward becoming the men and women You are calling us to be.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present