He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. — Psalm 23:2
There are many times in life that we find ourselves simply needing to rest. Perhaps its after a long day of work, a long trip, or stressful circumstances. Our bodies were designed with the need to rest. Even our Savior needed rest as we find several passages of scripture that show He took time to sleep.
Rest is a period of rejuvenation and revitalization. Without rest, you will find your strength starting to fail and that you simply cannot go on. It’s something that is found all throughout nature. Animals need rest. Farmers will tell you that their fields even do better after a year of rest. It should come as no surprise given the fast pace and nature of our lives that we need rest. Our world moves faster today than ever before.
I’ve always been drawn to this verse where it says he was made to lie down in green pastures. The green pastures signify the place of the shepherd. It is the place the shepherd cares for the sheep. It’s a place of rest and rejuvenation for the sheep. But the interesting thing is that David writes he was made to lie down.
There are many times in life that we find ourselves facing circumstances that seem to slow us down. They seem to get in our way and prevent us from continuing on. It can be frustrating when you are trying to do what you want to do and something gets in the way and stops you. I’m convinced that some of those things are purposefully placed by God.
He knows when we need to slow down and take a break. Perhaps, God is forcing us into a place of rest and rejuvenation to prepare us for what lies ahead. When things get in the way or seem to stop progressing as you think they should, take a step back. Maybe it is a moment that God has ordained for you to rest in a field of green grass and enjoy the comfort of your Shepherd.
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