One of the earliest Scriptures I heard and memorized was the Twenty-Third Psalm. The image of my Shepherd leading me beside still waters (and green pastures) has always resonated with me.
Growing up on a sheep ranch, there is perhaps a different understanding of being led beside still waters. Still waters are not stagnant waters which would be unhealthy. Still water is moving water but at a slow lazy drawl. So it is fresh, which is important.
Now for some reason, sheep are not inclined to drink where the water is rough and fast moving. None of us truly understand what goes on in the head of a sheep but I have some thoughts about why they tend not to drink from water that is not still.
First, if a sheep falls into the water, it will struggle to get out. Not only is it not smart enough to find the easiest place to exit but when wet, their wool adds a great deal of weight. Fast moving water makes it even more difficult to exit.
Second, sheep are easily startled and spooked. The shadow of a bird flying overhead is enough to panic an entire band of sheep. Get one going and the rest will follow. So with rough and fast moving water, there are lots of splashes and noise. Imagine how that might go.
Finally, a less obvious reason why a shepherd does not lead their sheep to rough and fast moving water. Rough and fast moving water carves away at the banks of a river, creating undercuts where the bank extends out over…nothing. As a child, my mom used to warn me not to go too near the edge of the river, especially near curves, because the bank might be undercut and collapse out from under me. An unwary, grazing sheep might nibble their way into danger.
So being led beside still waters gives me healthy, safe, serene refreshment. I am protected including protected from my own silly inclinations.
Thank You, Jesus, for being my Good Shepherd and leading me beside still waters.
Just Sayin' 