The stream gurgled past me as I sat reading my Bible, praying and talking with the Lord and sketching the scene. Birds flitted about and chatted, the breeze rustled leaves, changing the shadows. A beauty pressed its presence all around. Palpable peace. His peace. His Presence.
The word “unshaken” came before me. I “saw” it before I even read about it in Psalm 16. His assurance of stability. Suddenly, I knew that I was secure, that whatever has happened and whatever will happen, that I am unshaken.
“I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” verses 8 and 9
I can be unshaken only because God is unshakeable. His love for me never ceases. He is my, our, Rock. In Isaiah 54:10 He says, “For the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” (NIV)
The problems and concerns, the niggling worries, bidden and unbidden, began to fade. They receeded, leaving contentment and peace. Although they all too often stubbornly make their reappearance, now I have learned that I can choose to remember, refocus and return to Truth. I can return to the scene which rooted itself in my heart where God met me in “a pleasant place,” my place beside the stream.
Psalm 16
“Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.’
As for the saints in the lands, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD Who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life; in Your Presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
(ESV)