Being led by Jesus by Ben Bonython

Led besides still waters
peace in the storm

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:1-3

Psalm 23 speaks of atrusting person who is following the Lord wholeheartedly.  This Psalm is a prayerful reminder for how we should live.  During the service, we watched the a ship being blown by the waves [Youtube Video Clip Here] and opening up the story of the shipwreck the Apostle Paul endured in Acts 27:41.  A profound moment in the story was the breaking of bread.
 

Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat. “You have been so worried that you haven’t touched food for two weeks,” he said. “Please eat something now for your own good. For not a hair of your heads will perish.” Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—all 276 of us who were on board. (Acts 27:33-37)
 

It is important to remember that in this storm, there would have been a sense of the end of life for all on-board.  There was no hope.  There was no way out.  There was nothing ahead but fear and the unknown.

But in the midst of the storm, Paul encourages people to eat and as he breaks bread, and he gives thanks to God.  This passage reaffirms to us that In the midst of thankfulness, our hearts are paused from our circumstances, and space in our thinking is created to believe something new.  In the eating and sharing of bread, we are reminded that we will not perish but have eternal life.  And as the people ate, the bible says 'they were encouraged' because they finally heard and believed the word Paul spoke - 'that no one will perish'

How is it that in a storm, there can be encouragement.  How is it that in a situation as precarious and hopeless as a shipwreck, you can find hope?

This week, in the midst of the storms of life that you face and others face around you, remember the word of the Lord - that He leads you besides still waters, even in the midst of the storm.  Remember to thank the Lord in the midst of your storm, and allow the Holy Spirit to encourage your heart with the still peace of God that passes all our understanding.

To be led by the shepherd means to trust in His leading, to trust in His Word.  So be encouraged and continue to eat/consume the bread/Word.  Continue to pray and be thankful.  And allow His peace to be upon you, even in the midst of the storm.  Trust in the promise that He leads you beside peaceful streams...  Enjoy the week ahead where you experience the renewing of your strength.