Still Waters: Resting in God’s Shepherding Care

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in Scripture—but when was the last time you truly let it sink in? In Still Waters, you’ll receive a fresh perspective on the Shepherd who leads, restores, and stays with you through every valley. Let this devotional be your invitation to pause, breathe, and find soul-deep rest in Jesus.

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
>     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
>He leads me beside still waters.
>     He restores my soul.
>He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever (Psalm 23 ESV).

Familiar Psalm, Fresh Perspective

How often do we skim over these beloved words because we know them so well? When a passage becomes familiar, it’s easy to lose sight of the comfort and richness it still holds.

Psalm 23 isn’t meant to be rushed. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and receive again the Shepherd’s steady love.

Let’s slow down and savor the peace these verses offer—especially when chaos surrounds us.

The Practice of the Shepherd

In a world that celebrates hustle and noise, real rest can feel like defiance. But the Shepherd’s way is different. His practice is one of steady care, quiet leadership, and intentional pauses.

Jesus makes this truth even more personal: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11 ESV).

Jesus doesn’t just lead us toward rest—He is our rest. He guards us, knows us by name, and gives His very life to rescue and restore us.

In modern-day America, shepherds are not common, which means they can be unrelatable. A shepherd’s care can look like any of these people or actions:

• A parent watching over her child, always alert and ready to protect.
• A mentor who walks beside us through difficulty.
• A caregiver who tenderly meets every need.
• A first responder who runs toward danger to protect others.
• A friend who notices when we’re not okay and stays until peace returns.

The Shepherd’s Invitation to Rest

In a world that celebrates hustle and noise, real rest can feel unattainable. But it’s exactly what our souls need.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures” (v. 4), is a loving invitation to follow God away from striving into stillness.

W. Phillip Keller, in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, explains that the rod and staff symbolize God’s protection, care, and guidance. When we trust the Shepherd’s love and faithfulness, we find the freedom to rest—even when our circumstances are anything but restful.

Maybe you’ve been there too:

• Waiting in an emergency room for your child in a crisis
• Bracing yourself each night for verbal attacks at home
• Living with constant medical tests, bills, or uncertainty

Rest feels impossible in these moments, but the Good Shepherd is with you. He watches over you while you lie down. He leads you not only to survival—but to soul-deep restoration.

Still Waters in a Chaotic World

“He leads me beside still waters” (v. 2).

Picture a calm lake, surrounded by lush grass, lovely wildflowers, and green trees on a beautiful, sunny day with a few fluffy, white clouds reflecting in the water.

Now take a deep breath in and a slow breath out.

Our Shepherd is leading us there to a place of peace and a moment of quiet. Our Shepherd walks with us into calmness—not because the world has calmed down, but because His presence calms us.

Maybe you only have a moment to still your soul and focus on God. Tune out the kids’ bickering, the constant dinging of incoming emails, and your racing heart.

Even in that chaos, Jesus whispers, “Come away with Me. Let Me quiet your soul.”

The Soul Rest God Promises

No matter what kind of dark valley you’re walking through, God promises restoration for your soul.

This is more than a three-hour nap. It’s about exchanging your burdens for Jesus’ light load and letting Him heal your soul:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls] (Matthew 11:28, 30 AMPC).

The Message paraphrases it like this: “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”

That’s Jesus’ invitation to you and to me right now in the middle of our messy, busy lives:

• To stop carrying burdens you were never meant to hold.
• To exchange anxiety for peace.
• To trust your Shepherd’s leadership, even through dark valleys.

Reflection: Release and Receive

Take a few minutes now to reflect on Psalm 23. Read it slowly or listen to it several times. Listen to one of its many musical renditions, and let it permeate your heart.

Ask yourself what’s keeping me from experiencing true rest today? Take those worries and hand them over to the Lord.

Try this exercise:

• Hold out both hands. Picture them full of the worries, fears, and heavy thoughts you’re carrying.
• Slowly turn your hands over, palms down, and say, “Lord, I release all of this mess to You.”
• Then turn your hands back up and say, “I receive Your rest and blessing.”

Take Psalm 23 and pray it back to the Lord as your own prayer. You can even write your own version of the psalm.

Embedding God’s Word in your heart will prepare you for when life slams into you hard—because it will. But your Shepherd will still be beside you.

Prayer

Jesus, my Good Shepherd. Thank you for your guidance, care, and protection for me. I give you my worries and burdens right now. Please lead me beside still waters and give my soul rest. In your name, amen.

Receive His rest—right now. Send us your prayer need.