He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2-3)
In these verses, David continued to speak of the LORD as his (and our) shepherd and how, being the Good Shepherd, He makes certain that we never lack. On our behalf He seeks out the best pastures and sources of water so that, not only will our physical body be revived, but our soul and spirit are also rejuvenated. We see this concept revealed in the very beginning of time when the Creator planted a garden, filled with everything that man would need to thrive — plenteous and fruitful trees fed by a clear, flowing river. Once everything was ready, He placed the most beloved of His creations, man, within this lush haven where both could commune with the other.
The concept is repeated later when, after bringing Israel out from Egyptian bondage, He led them to a land which He said, “I had searched out for them, ‘flowing with milk and honey,’ the glory of all lands” (Ezekiel 20:6). In that land, the God of Israel communed with His people, giving them all they needed to live, multiply and prosper. And so the point is, David’s assessment of God as our loving Shepherd who causes His flock to enjoy the greenest pasture and the clearest waters was not something new — it was something true.
If it was true in the beginning, and true in David’s time, then it remains true to this day. He continues to lead us in such a way that we are fed, watered and cared for temporally and spiritually. In other words, not only does He provide our daily bread, but has made provision for us to have an abundant life — a life whereby our soul is restored to peaceable reconciliation with our Creator. Through the Chief Shepherd, we have been given access to the Garden, so to speak, that we may commune with Him as in the beginning.
As the Good Shepherd said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). So then, let us continue to serve the LORD in thankfulness for His loving care toward us, His sheep, and may we always appreciate the days we are permitted to lay down and rest in the green pastures and be refreshed by the still waters.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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