Podcast Episode 9: Scriptures behind the song “Still Waters(Psalm 23)” by Leanna Crawford

When  I first heard Leanna Crawford’s song “Still Waters”, it immediately resonated with my soul. Perhaps it is because the song is straight from Psalm 23 and loaded with scripture, or because of the catchy melody. Whatever it is, I believe we have another modern Christian anthem in “Still Waters”. 

Leanna Crawford is a dynamite singer with a heart for the Lord and a gift for songwriting. Crawford won the New Artist of the Year award at the 2025 Dove Awards ceremony for “Still Waters(Psalm 23)”. 

According to Leanna, she was greatly inspired by her great-aunt Maurine, who had memorised most of the Bible and exuded a sense of peace. She was encouraged by her aunt to memorise scriptures for when she might need them in times of trials and tribulation.

This song focuses on God as our source of peace and comfort, and on the Word of God’s incredible power to calm anxiety and fear, as the lyrics specifically state: “Anxiety hates Psalm 23…” The song encourages believers to get in the Word and memorise scripture so that it is stored up in our hearts for when needed. Still Waters reminds believers that we can always place our faith and trust in God.

See the full lyrics here.

Scriptures that connect with the message of the song: 

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads 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 You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs 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
Forever.

Isaiah 41:10 – NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,
and of joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Peter 5:7
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Listen to the song on Spotify or watch or YouTube:

Scripture on Praise & Worship:

Spotlight on a Hymn

This hymn that I am spotlighting this time is “The Old Rugged Cross”. Listen to it on Spotify; there are different versions of it since many artists have recorded it over the years, since it was written in 1913 by George Bennard.

Here is the first verse and the chorus:

1 On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

Other Recommended Resources:

Just a girl who loves Christian music sweatshirts.

With music I praise and worship God, sweatshirt.

The One Year Book of Hymns by Robert Brown and Mark Norton