When the waters of life stop churning and become as smooth as glass, we are presented with an opportunity to refresh, refocus, and regroup. I believe that God leads us to still waters to laugh, sleep deep, heal, dance, and play. To take in the sights and praise Him for His goodness. Life isn’t all about pain. It’s about the peace and joy we find in the Lord in the midst of a world overtaken by evil.

My life has just recently gone from chaos to peace, but nothing dramatic has changed. You would think that I just got a new job, a new house, or a new wardrobe. But really, I’ve gotten to this campsite beside still waters because I stopped trying to do it on my own and started following my Lord once again. And this is where He brought me.

It’s puzzling to me how we think of God as out to get us. Why is He the last person we turn to in times of need? Our picture of Him is skewed – I realize this more and more as I read through the Old Testament. Look at these verses I found the other night while reading through Zephaniah:

“They no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance or seek my blessings.” – Zephaniah 1:6.

Isn’t this interesting? I had to stop and mull this over for a few minutes before moving on. God wants to guide us. He wants to bless us. He wants good things for us.

“For the Lord their God will visit his people in kindness and restore their prosperity again.” – Zephaniah 2:7.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with being blessed by the Lord. In fact, that’s what He wants to do.

“Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid! For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” – Zephaniah 3:16-17.

Amen and amen! This is my Lord.

I don’t know what you think about God, but as I continue to read through these Old Testament books, all I see is Him begging us to choose Him over Satan. Satan offers us instant gratification, control, knowledge, dominance…but ultimately suffering and eternal separation from God. Satan offers us anything and everything to damn us to the same fate he is destined for. He is warring for our soul, and will not stop until we are dead. But God continues to throw out lifelines to save us from these traps and schemes.

Our first parents chose to eat from the tree of good and evil, and so now we know. But that leaves us with a choice. And if we continually choose to follow Satan and turn away from God, what other choice does He have but to leave us to the destruction we’ve chosen?

Sobering thoughts. But wait. Simply turn and follow the Lord, as you were originally created and destined to do, and He will have you. You will be restored to a right relationship! Satan will still wage a war against you, but you will rest secure in the knowledge that try as he may, he will not have you.

The Lord is good. If you do not know this God of the bible, taste and see for yourself. If you are reading this, you have access to the Holy Word of God. You can do a quick Google search and an entire bible will be at your fingertips.

“He guides me along right paths…Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:3-6

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
I think it’s time you discovered this for yourself.