Lesson 44: Still Waters

Memory Verse: 

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” – Psalm 23:2 (KJV)

Bible Passage:

Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV) (RCCG Sunday School Student Manual 29 June 2025)

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Introduction:

Sheep do not birth their lambs in a turbulent or stormy place; they keep away from others to deliver what is inside of them. Adam, while in the garden, a calm place, was able to name, categorise and file all the animals without any physical aid (computer, pen, paper, etc.) -Genesis 2:15, 19-20. The still water is a calm place where God brings you to maximise your potential. When your head is ‘’clear’’ you can think, remember, and evolve. The challenge is how to achieve the calmness that will birth the greatness inside when constantly bombarded with ‘noise’ (challenges, troubles, trials, etc.).

Lesson Outlines:

1. Silence The ‘Noise’
2. Find Green Pastures

Silence The ‘Noise’

Ships do not sink because they pass through waters but because the waters pass through them. With God on your side, you have the power to prevent the negative occurrences around you from taking over your mind and abilities. Silence the voice of mediocrity, bitterness, regrets, etc. and constantly assure yourself that you are made for greatness (Proverbs 23:7a; Hebrews 12:15). Deal with any destructive behaviour to protect your self-esteem.

Avoid being so busy or cumbered, with just trying to survive, focus on accomplishing your visions and goals (Proverbs 29:18). Be time conscious and avoid going round in circles (John 9:4). Stop being reactive, wake up daily with an agenda and a sense of urgency, and direction (Philippians 4:8).

Close all loopholes in your marriage, family, career, etc. and work towards unity, prosperity and dominion. Your prosperity is a reflection of your inside (3 John 2). Do not limit your vision to your situation. Sometimes your situation may be preparing you for where God is taking you (Genesis 45:5-8). Dare to stand out rather than fit in.

Class Activity 1:

Students should share with the class their experience with ‘distractions’ and how they dealt with them.

Find Green Pastures

Green pasture is a place of freshness or newness (Isaiah 43:19). ‘He maketh me lie down in green pastures’ means God is willing to make you rest in the blessings He has given you (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 1 Timothy 6:17). To ‘lie down in green pasture’ could mean being hopeful again after series of disappointments (Job 14:7), receiving the ability and strength to love again after a hurt (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7), to want to live again after barely escaping from depression (Job 6:11; 14:14), to believe that afflictions shall not rise again (Nahum 1:9), to try again and succeed in areas where you have once failed (Micah 7:8), to receive peace and let go of offenses, bitterness, and anger that has held you captive for long (John 14:27; Ephesians 4:31), etc.

Class Activity 2:

Identify the ‘green pasture’ that you are afraid of and pray for boldness to lie on it.

Conclusion:

You cannot be in a place of still waters until you let go of the things distracting you or invading your space.

Questions:

1. Mention four ways to silence the noise in your life.
2. Describe three areas where you can dwell in green pastures.

Assignment:

Write out five areas of turbulence in your life, and pray for divine leading to the still waters (No Mark).

Let’s Cut The Cake:

Praise the Lord, church!

It’s a joy to see you all this Sunday morning. Today, our lesson is one of comfort, one of restoration, and one of deep trust in the Shepherd of our souls. Our topic is based on the timeless Psalm 23 — words so familiar yet always fresh when the Spirit breathes upon them.

Let’s begin by reading the full passage together – Psalm 23:1-6. This Psalm, written by David, is not just poetry; it’s a spiritual declaration. It reminds us that God, our Good Shepherd, desires to lead us into places of peace and rest, even in the midst of life’s storms.

✨ INTRODUCTION – FINDING CALM IN THE STORM

Let me ask you: Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Like the noise of life—bills, children, job, health, disappointments, fears—was shouting louder than your prayers?

You’re not alone. But God is calling us to a place of still waters—a calm place—where He can whisper wisdom, restore strength, and renew purpose.

Just like a pregnant sheep withdraws to a quiet place to deliver its lambs, you need calm to give birth to your dreams. Adam named every creature without Google, because he was in Eden—the place of divine calm. Church, when your spirit is at peace, your destiny begins to make sense.

So how do we enter this stillness, this green pasture? Let’s walk through our two key outlines:

🧭 1. SILENCE THE “NOISE”

Noise is not just sound—it’s distractions, worries, bitterness, busyness, anything that drowns out the voice of God.

💬 Let me put it this way:
A ship doesn’t sink because it’s in water. It sinks only when water gets inside it. You may walk through troubled waters, but don’t let the trouble get inside you.

So, how do we silence the noise?

✅ Ways to Silence the Noise:

1. Guard your thoughts. – “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7). Think greatness, not failure.
2. Deal with bitterness and regret. – Hebrews 12:15 warns us against the root of bitterness that defiles. Let it go.
3. Stop being reactive. – Don’t just respond to crises. Wake up each day with purpose. John 9:4 says “I must work the works of him that sent me…”
4. Protect your relationships and time. – Don’t go in circles. Be intentional. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on what is true, pure, lovely, and of good report.

🎤 Let’s pause for Class Activity 1:
Can anyone share a personal experience where they had to fight off distractions and how they found peace again?

🌱 2. FIND GREEN PASTURES

Psalm 23:2 says, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” Not dry land, not deserts—but lush, peaceful pastures. This is not just rest for your body, but refreshing for your soul.

🟢 What do green pastures look like in your life?

• A restored hope after years of disappointment (Job 14:7).
• The ability to love again after heartbreak (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7).
• Coming out of depression with new strength to live (Job 14:14).
• Breaking free from bitterness and offense (Ephesians 4:31).
• Succeeding in places you once failed (Micah 7:8).
• Receiving peace that passes understanding (John 14:27).

God wants you to rest in His blessings, not always striving, not always surviving.

🎤 Let’s pause for Class Activity 2:
Is there a “green pasture” you’re afraid to lie in—maybe a new relationship, ministry calling, or opportunity? Let’s pray for boldness to trust God and step in.

🙏 CONCLUSION:

Beloved, you can’t enter the place of still waters if you’re constantly surrounded by mental, emotional, and spiritual distractions. Lay them down. Let the Lord be your Shepherd. Let Him lead you, feed you, restore you.

The same David who said, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” also said, “I will fear no evil.” Why? Because God was with him — in the palace, and in the valley.

📌 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1. Mention four ways to silence the noise in your life.
   (Think: thoughts, habits, relationships, time management)

2. Describe three areas where you can dwell in green pastures.
   (Hint: Emotional healing, restored hope, answered prayers)

📝 Assignment:

Write out five areas of turbulence in your life. Pray over each one and ask the Lord:
“Father, lead me beside still waters. Let Your peace take over where fear once lived.”

Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Shepherd. Lead us away from the noise and into still waters. Cause us to lie down in green pastures. Heal our hearts, restore our minds, and fill us with peace. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

God bless you, beloved. May this week be filled with divine calm, green pastures, and still waters. Amen!