"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" .... Psalm 23 v 2
Psalm 23 is one of my favourite psalms.
If I am needing to find comfort, solace, uplifting, justice from God then Psalm 23 is the place.
Even many people who don't go to church or have any religious background know the familiarity of Psalm 23.
As I turned upon this psalm last evening I went to the second verse He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
It is interesting to note that there are times when the LORD does actually make us to lie down. I wouldn't go as far as to say force us to lie down, but circumstances permit themselves to such a degree that we have no alternative but to lie down. To resist this can be very costly indeed and borders on pride and stubbornness.
God cares for us more than we can ever know. A halting of any plans can happen because God knows they are either out of line with His will or that it is not the time.
Times of preparation and rest are so essential both to our mind, body and soul.
The world's view is work, work and more work.
Truly we are living in the times of the Egyptians the hardtaskmasters.
The Israelites trapped in Egypt for over 400 years making the largest idols ever constructed.
Ironic really that the one thing God hates is idolatry and he sends them to a place where they are to make them day in and day out. Such though was their suffering and the hard bondage. They cried out but God did not come to the rescue straightaway but was planning with the advent of Moses.
Yes there are times when He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He that knoweth all things. He that loveth at all times. He that is both our Lord and Shepherd. Yes He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The same He that parted the red sea to free His people. The same He that David speaks of in this beautiful Psalm to be written for the saints for all eternity. This He is Our LORD!
Not only does He maketh us to lie down but to lie down in green pastures!
I live in England and it is full of fields, different types of fields for growing crops and the like. But green pastures are a wonderful sight to behold.
I went on a walk with my dog the other week-end. I hadn't intended to go so far, in fact if it hadn't have been for the fact that the LORD had made me lie down and rest for a very long time due to illness I wouldn't have been able to walk at all.
Anyway I decided to go along the coastal path and then a bit further and before I knew it I had walked 6 miles! I haven't done that in many many years.
On the way back I saw two beautiful lush green fields. The colour green was outstanding. I had my camera with me at the time and even when I saw it at home on the computer I couldn't believe how restful to my eyes it was. It was as though I was still standing there taking in the space, the peace and calm. I could have stayed there all day and lay down.
Living by the coast is a beautiful place to be but the sun can be harsh and I always look for shade and greenery away from the maddening crowds with my dog. It is like a breath of fresh air. Thoughts that perhaps have been bombarded with noise and the bustle of people are strangely calm. It is in this quiet that I speak to the LORD and hear Him too.
Jesus as the Good Shepherd uses the illustration of sheep and folds and I believe it is this imagery that is so important to his disciples and lambs to feel secure and safe.
When He makes us to lie down in green pastures it is a blessing in disguise. Preparation for times ahead of busy schedules are needed.
I'm reminded of Martha and Mary and the stillness that Mary attained in listening to Jesus. Such are the beauty of His Words to flow through us like living waters.
There are so many good reasons why we should slow down. Using our mind to find reasons not to only delays further troubles. Jesus speaks that trouble is about us every day so it is so wise to spend time with Our God who loves us.
So do not despair when He maketh thee to lie down in green pastures. Surrender to Him it is because He cares for you and loves you!
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
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