Do you ever feel like all of the world is in a hurry? I know I do! We live in an age where we demand that things happen immediately. We pace back and forth in front of the microwave. We order things through Amazon Prime so that we can get them the next day. We want what we want – and we want it now! We’d love it if reality in God’s kingdom worked that way, but God has a different plan to meet our needs and wants. In today’s familiar passage from Psalm 23, the psalmist offers us good advice on how we can live our lives to a different beat…if we choose to do so.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. (Psalm 23:1-3 NASB)
The first verse of today’s passage reminds us of an important reality in our relationship with God—we are the sheep and God is the Shepherd. He is in charge and knows what’s best for us. Then the psalmist makes this noteworthy comment: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” What do you think of that? Sometimes God "makes" us lie down in order to get our attention. When He says, “Lie down!” He wants to us to stop beside quiet waters where He can restore our souls. He wants to guide us into the paths of righteousness. He wants to do all of these things with us – and for us. But first He wants us to get quiet so that we can hear what He has to say. Do you ever do this? Do you ever take time just to quiet down and listen? God really does have something to say to you – and me – but we must first come to our own “green pasture” where we can silence all of the other voices that are SHOUTING at us. I don’t know where that place is for you. It may be when you’re out walking or running, or maybe while you’re exercising. It may be as you’re driving to work. Or it might simply be sitting in a room by yourself.
Whenever and wherever that green pasture is for you, God has something for you in that place…so lie down, take time, and listen! And whatever He shows you, tells you or does for you – now that’s really Good News!
“When the bottom falls out and disappointments come, you will learn what you believe, what you love, and what you treasure.”