Beside the Still Waters

By Rodney Charles Tuomi

This book of poetry, Beside the Still Waters, is a compilation of years of life. It reflects many thoughts about God, about nature, and about the wisdom I have gained in so many years of studying, ministering, and loving people. I enjoy using humor, though sometimes it may be a little subtle. The topics are many, and often, one poem is vastly different from the previous one or the following one. It reminds me how the book of Proverbs in the Bible was written. In one chapter of Proverbs, every verse may be a message and a truth on a separate subject. My first book, Reflections, was a shorter more simple book, but this one is a little longer and more complex. My prayer and hope for you is that you enjoy my writing and let it minister to you and speak deeply into your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098040031

Book preview

The Wisdom of Silence

We hear much

And see more

Much is retained

But in store

Times of silence

Give audience for

Truths we gathered

But did ignore

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

I See Little but Trust Much

Life is precious but holds much pain

There are seasons of sunshine and of rain

One day at a time walking along with God

Sometimes one step is much as we can plod

The future we do not see but trust in Him

He sees the path when the light is very dim

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. (Psalm 142:3)

Teach Me to Live for Today

If the winter seems long

And in summer I desire to belong

Desiring warm days is just so strong

Maybe the place I live in is all wrong

But I find I complain in any season

It seems to be easy to find a reason

Learning to be more content

Because all climate is Heaven sent

If to please God is my intent

For a few years to earth I was sent

For I have learned in whatever state I am in, to be content. (Phil. 4:11)

My Friends in the Woods

Walking through the woods

Snow covering the ground

Cold ruling the day

But so beautiful

Silently serene

Chickadees landing so close

Black, gray, and white

So small

Yet very pretty

And curiously friendly

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matt. 6:26)

White as Snow

Snow filling the sky

The ground pure white

Covering all in sight

Snow snow, snow

White white, white

Though your sins are like scarlet, yet they shall be as white as snow. (Isa. 1:18)

Joy in God

There is something so beautiful

About a frigid winter sunrise

Maybe because

Little else seems cheerful

But joy comes from within

Hindered by our fallen nature of sin

I often see so little to enjoy

Yet so much that does annoy

Lord let me rest deeper in You

Sonshine would then pierce the blue

Yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8)

The Glory of God

Marveling at the beauty of nature

Who shall I ask about creation

What mouth can tell me

Whom can I speak to

Please explain the many wonders

A glimpse of the greatness of God

But now ask the animals, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this; in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind? (Job 12:7–10)

Sowing in Tears

Watering my prayers with tears

His strength driving back my fears

Knowing the battle may take years

But my God is all ears

Some days I am feel so strong

Others it seems my strength is gone

For His strength I continually long

Doing it without Him is usually wrong

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:5–6)

His Grace Is My Secret Place

Resting in my easy chair

Cozy under a thick quilt

Warmth and rest I do wear

Relaxing and feeling no guilt

Outside the wind does howl

Cold peaks in my window

Tall snowbanks on the prowl

Staying warm I do know

Such is the grace of God

Keeping me safe, rested, and warm

His peace may cause me to nod

Safe in His arms in any storm

Because he has set his love upon me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (Psalm 91:14–16)

There Shall Be No More Pain

Sitting in my chair on the beach

Down by the lake, nature all around

By prayer my God I do reach

I talk with Him even without a sound

Thinking of His certain return

Every heartache to mend

For His glorious reign I do yearn

So my prayers I continue to send

Waiting for His eternal spring

Is like waiting for tomorrow

Each day is a day closer to bring

His perfect Joy and end of sorrow

Knowing that He has all in control

Gives me hope in my heart

Seeing His face is my goal

That coming day will never let us part

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Rev. 21:4)

Being in the Belly of a Whale

Shouting my prayer wanting Him to hear

Are there no ears to listen to my prayer

Where is my God that says He does care

I wonder how much more that I can bear

The road of life for me seems to truly wear

Your face will I see for always You are near

I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. (Jonah