Everyone has a place of safety. Whether it’s our home, a favorite coffee shop, or somewhere distant like the beach, some destinations force us to be still. They arrest our attention, beckoning us with promises of ease and escape from stressful responsibilities.
But what happens when those places can’t be reached? For me, that recent moment came during an EKG. After years of trying to find answers to explain my elevated heart rate, I was finally in a gown, lying on a table, and listening to that rapid thumping. I watched my heartbeat expand and contract as the technician told me it needed to be lower. In such an environment, that seemed impossible.
Then the words of Psalm 23 came to mind (Psalm 23:2). It became my silent mantra. I repeated the words over and over until they turned my focus to the Good Shepherd. A calmness washed over me. I saw the physical effects of peace on the screen. As confirmed by the technician, my heart literally slowed down.
What does it look like to be still in such a chaotic world? Sometimes we can’t escape to somewhere else. If it isn’t health problems, then it’s financial woes, relationship troubles, or worldwide tragedies. Green pastures and quiet waters often seem as distant as the Garden of Eden.
But a physical place of comfort doesn’t change what our souls so desperately crave: peace beyond circumstances. If we waited for things to change to find rest, then we would be waiting forever. Life has obstacles for each of us, but the good news is that those obstacles don’t define our state of being. That’s reserved for the Shepherd alone.
Unlike our safe spaces, the peace God offers isn’t flippant or mild. He knows what we need even when we don’t. He often makes us lie down. He is an active God. Rather than lead us to some physical destination, He leads us back to Himself as the source of rest.
Where do you find your contentment? Don’t go wandering. God knows your needs. Those green pastures and quiet waters you seek are nearby and found in Him. He alone is your place of safety and refuge. May that bring you abundant peace.
Sydney Alena is a college student pursuing an education in English. As a young woman, she feels called to write on issues pertaining to her generation. Additionally, she’s heavily involved with her church and college ministry.