Psalm 23 is one of the most recognizable passages of Scripture. Its words have been sung, prayed, and illustrated in countless ways, but if we’re not careful we can become so well acquainted with these verses that we forget the power these words hold. To recognize God as our Shepherd means we also have to accept that we are indeed like sheep: dirty, defenseless and helpless. Without a shepherd, the sheep are left to their own devices, which ultimately will lead them to starve, wander off, or be attacked. This week, let’s slow it down, remind ourselves that we are sheep in need of a loving Shepherd.

Stopping to Rest

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:2

One of the things that sticks out to me about this verse is the word “makes.” He makes me lie down in green pastures. Sheep are pretty dumb creatures; if you don’t make them lie down to rest, they won’t do it on their own. The Bible referring to us as “sheep” makes more and more sense the more you think about it, doesn’t it?

We work, work, and work until we finally collapse on our bed to “unwind” with some mindless social media browsing and Netflix binges. We try to please one person after another and attempt to be everything for everyone in our lives until we break down. We don’t take a break until we are forced to, and even then we aren’t always thrilled about it. We may even feel guilty about sitting down to take a breath from our responsibilities.

But what a beautiful truth that our Shepherd never tires of creating spaces for us to rest and never tires of making us stop to enjoy that rest! As a part of God’s flock, we are safe under His care and freed from our anxieties because of His protection. Our confidence in His protection allows us to enjoy the simple pleasures He leads us into – the abundance of a green pasture and the peace and refreshment of the quiet stream.

God is constantly leading us into His peace, His rest, and His provisions. We don’t have to feel guilty when we take our rest seriously – because our Shepherd takes our rest seriously too! He has created it for us, and He leads us to it every single day.

Don’t simply pass through the green pastures, abide in them. There you will find peace and restoration you need for the journey ahead. Let the Shepherd lead you into His rest and His peace.

Chelsey