Quiet Pools

Prior to and after these falls, peaceful streams flow into tranquil pools where heron fish and beavers build their houses. They are pleasant reminders of the 23rd Psalm’s assurances that God shepherds His people to green pastures and still waters where they are spiritualy safe, satisfied, and refreshed. He the believer’s safe place, a refuge, and an ever present help. Despite the turmoil and chaos of “troubled” waters and roaring falls. He is a “river whose streams make glad” our souls (Psalm 46)

The prophet Isaiah offered similar encouragement. He said that in difficult times God “will keep in perfect peace” those “minds” which are “stayed upon” Him and that those whose “hope is in the Lord” will have renewed strength.” (Isaiah 26:3; 40:28-31)

These themes of peace, hope, and strength for perseverance, endurance, and patience which are derived from trusting God are deeply embedded in the New Testament narrative of grace which culminates in Jesus’ life and his sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Jesus said that in this life we will have trouble but that he had overcome the world (John 16:33). We all face challenges, difficulties, and grief, and we struggle with character weaknesses, moral failures, and lousy attitudes. We need mercy, grace, forgiveness, comfort and strength. Jesus’ immense commitment to redeem us by dying on the cross for us proved him well qualified to promise “Come unto me all you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

He revives, calms, and satisfies our troubled spirits. He leads us to the cross where he took the crushing burden of our sin, our guilt, our shame and where we in repentance and belief discover forgiveness of sins, freedom from condemnation, and transcendent “peace like a river” which guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7) (Isaiah 48:18).

“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).