I was fourteen, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was walking through our neighbor’s large backyard heading for the gate in the back fence that connected our two homes. I had just finished babysitting and it was late. And dark. 

I was walking through the orchard part of their yard and could hear my footfalls on the fallen leaves. And . . . I could hear another set of footsteps. 

I quickened my pace. The other footsteps increased in speed. My heart pounded. Who was there? I started to run for the gate. The other started running too. We got to the gate at the same time. 

Me . . . and the neighbor’s dog. A little corgi named Bandit. 

Relief flooded me. I reached down and petted Bandit and then began to feel foolish. Here I thought I was going to die at the hands of a stranger, and it was just the neighbor’s dog coming to see me home.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Though the events of that evening never really posed a threat, I was still fearful. And that hasn’t been the only time I have been afraid. 

All of us, at one time or another, must walk through “the shadow of death.” Not death itself, but those dark valleys of uncertainty. Uncertainty about our job, health, future, temptations. Situations that seem hopeless with no clear way out. Grief so deep and profound it feels like it will swallow us whole at any moment.

God doesn’t promise to remove these difficulties. That’s not why we don’t need to fear them, but he does promise to be with us. To walk through those difficult times and know that nothing will beset us that He hasn’t allowed. God’s “rod and staff”, His love and authority, trump all. They can protect, save, direct. But above all, they remove fear.

Enjoy Jon Reddick’s song “No Fear."

“He guides me along the paths that are right for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3b

That should bring us comfort but so often it causes us to resist. Resist His guidance. Resist the paths that are right for us. Resist putting His name above ours.

As my pastor says — often — “We want what we want when we want it.” Yeah. That.

And yet . . .

We will easily put our lives into the hands of human guides. Whether it is white water rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, or fishing, we place our trust in these guides to bring us through the rapids or up the cliffs safely. We believe that they know the best route with the best views or the best places to throw in our lines. 

These companies want to do what’s best for us, not only so we have an enjoyable experience, but also so that their company’s recognition increases and their reputation remains intact. 

We check reviews, and should we be satisfied, we will not only agree to follow all their rules and instructions, but we also are willing to sign our names to wavers and agreements that say should something unforeseen or bad happen, they aren’t held responsible.

God is all about the business of the world. He created it and He is redeeming it—one person at a time. He can get us anywhere safely—through treacherous waters or dangerous overhangs with tenuous holds. He knows the best routes and the most beautiful experiences. And He does this because these paths lead to righteous living and bring glory to His name. All He asks is that we trust, follow, and obey. 

And there we are again. Do we really trust Him? Do we really believe we will be happier if we don’t get what we want when we want it? 

As the old hymn says. “Trust and obey. For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” 

Every year my town holds a classic car event—Kool April Nights—which showcases vintage cars. The entire week is filled with Show-and-Shines, a cruise on Friday night, and then acres of cars on display at the Civic on Saturday and Sunday. I enjoy looking at the cars, and while I appreciate the souped-up vehicles, I am always drawn to those that have been restored to their original beauty—both inside and out and under the hood.

God is in the restoration business.


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Psalm 23:3 states that “He restores my soul.” By providing us with calm and peace and  nourishment and life-giving water, he refreshes us back to health.

But He restores so much more than that.

He restores freedom to those who are captive to Satan’s power or lies, as He did with Mary Magdalene and Matthew.

He restores purpose to those who are lost and wandering as He did with the Israelites and the prodigal son.

He restores relationships just as He did with Joseph and his brothers.

He restores hope as He did with Elijah.

He restores life to every person who believes in the sacrifice of His Son.

And he will restore this earth to its original and intended beauty as stated in Isaiah 65:17: 

“See, I will create
    new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
    nor will they come to mind.”

​Nothing is completely derelict or unrepairable or unusable when given to God to restore. Nothing and No one.

I am writing this while listening to a gentle rain falling outside my open window. No wind or even a breeze. No cars. No kids playing outside. Just the gentle life-giving water settling into the lawn and dirt. It’s peaceful.

Psalm 23:2b states that our Good Shepherd will lead us beside “still waters.” 

As much as I love walking along the beach, the ocean is restless and noisy. Waves gather momentum, crash, and then pull themselves back out.

Rivers are powerful.

Still waters are just that — Still. Peaceful. Inviting. Quiet.

Stillness and quiet are something of a novelty in our world today. Everyone is busy, moving, producing. To not be any of those things is often deemed lazy or unmotivated.

And quiet? When was the last time you enjoyed absolute freedom from manmade noise? Music, talking, shouting, cars. Quiet, just like stillness, has become so rare that many of us are uncomfortable with it. We will create noise or allow noise to avoid quiet.

And yet silence truly is golden. A recent article in The Epoch Times, “Virtue Medicine” talks about the restorative power of silence. In summary, science has found that silence has positive effects on both our cardiovascular and cognitive functions, and helps our neurons grow. It lowers heart rate and blood pressure. It reduces stress and depression. Silence allows for self-reflection, helps with emotional regulation, and creates clearer decision-making.

Still waters are a place of peace and quiet. A place to restore oneself.

Which is why David concludes verse two as follows:

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.

Science is just now catching up with Scripture.

So when God leads you to still waters — embrace it and all it has to offer — and listen. God’s power is in the restorative water and His voice is in the silence.