By: Joanne Viola
“He lets me rest in green meadows ….” (Psalm 23:2, NLT)
Rest – we all long for it and often it can elude us. The psalmist brings us to the realization that only the Shepherd can bring us to the point of rest.
Sheep, by nature, are fearful animals. They are easily scared and quite simply, cannot rest when filled with panic. It is only when they are assured their shepherd is near that they are able to settle down to rest.
In these days which are filled with many uncertainties, much like sheep, we can experience anxiety. Our minds and imaginations can go wild with “what if’s”, taking us to places filled with danger and harm. As we are filled with the assurance of our Shepherd’s presence with us, we can experience peace in the middle of our circumstances.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)
In order for sheep to be able to lie down, they must be be free from hunger. If sheep are worried about food, they will not lie down. They will stay on their feet and continue their search for food, remaining ever tired and discontent.
Our Shepherd will fill us as we depend on Him. His concern is for us to have the best of His provision.
Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk –it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.“ (Isaiah 55:1-3a, NLT)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
(Matthew 5:6, NKJV)
In his book, A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller writes:
“It is the humble heart walking quietly and contently in the close and intimate companionship of Christ that is at rest, that can relax, simply glad to lie down and let the world go by.” (from page 42)
May we not feed on what will leave us empty but come to Him to fill us with what will last and satisfy, thus finding rest in Him.
“He lets me rest in green meadows ….”
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn January 2019, I lived that kind of assurance as my husband went through an aortic valve replacement and the removal of one of his lung lobes (they found cancer in the pre-surgery testing for the valve) - keeping my eyes on my shepherd and off fear made all the difference!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful that in taking care of one medical problem, another was uncovered that may have remained otherwise hidden. Our God always has His eyes on us and brings wisdom and understanding.
DeleteOne time a former pastor talked about reading a book comparing people to mice, and said how mice in mazes just kept on looking for the right way despite obstacles. And he said people should be like that instead of getting frustrated and upset. And I thought, "But we're sheep, not mice." :-) God's Word is so perfect. I'm so thankful our Shepherd knows us so well and meets our needs so aptly.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I am so grateful our Shepherd guides us as to the places of rest He has prepared for us.
Delete