Still waters

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

 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 right paths

for his name’s sake.

 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I 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

my whole life long.

Still waters are a novelty for my soul
 I like the rage of the rapids
or the thunder of the mighty falls, 
the rainbows reflected in the spray, 
the thrill of the chase.
Still waters challenge me
to stop and breathe gently,
to be nurtured,
to experience grace,
to see clouds reflected
and beautified in the stillness.
And I fear that I am diminished 
as my soul is stilled
for I am accustomed
to turbulence.
I thrive on the agitation 
and founder in the stillness.
The Lord, who is my shepherd, 
leads me by still waters
not to diminish
but to strengthen my soul.