---

You have, I daresay, often seen a stream rising up on the mountain side, amid rocks and ferns and twisted roots, and the short, sweet herbage of the hill. With many a playful plunge and headlong leap it finds its way to the valley, and as it pursues its course passes through various scenes. So flows our life. Now in sunshine, now in shadow, now torn by strife and doubt, and now reposing by the quiet waters of rest. The variety adds to our moral healthfulness and vigour. Few lives have been more varied than that of David. The extremity of danger and even the dread of death he knew, as well as the heights of success and the intoxicating sweets of power. In firm faith upon a Divine and unchanging love he had found the quietness and assurance of which he speaks. There are times when rest seems the one thing we most long for. As when —

I. IN THE CONFLICT OF DOUBT. Faith is difficult in our day. There are two ways in which a man may seek rest — one by thorough examination of the ground of his faith; the other by trusting those feelings which carry us beyond reason; to faith which sees and hears God where reason cannot.

II. UNDER CONVICTION OF SIN. This is a dread experience. But it would be good for many to know it who now lead a smooth and easy life, sailing merrily over sunny seas. There is much in the Bible to awaken such conviction of sin — the Divine wrath, the severity of Christ. It is when we see Christ as Saviour, we have rest.

III. IN SUFFERING AND LOSS. But rest in God is possible. And this happy condition of mind is to be cultivated by meditation, worship, prayer, and communion with God.

(P. W. Darnton, . B. A.)

---

---

KJV: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

WEB: He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.