“Lie Down and Lead Me”
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.”
-Psalm 23:1-3
One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 23. It is my favorite Psalm. I also love Psalms 1, 19, and 100 as my dad helped me memorize them and others as a child. The time spent with him praying, reading, discussing, and memorizing Scripture is still fresh and uplifting to my soul. I have helped all three of my kids learn Psalm 23 as I believe it will be a foundation they remember in times of temptation, frustration, and sorrow. Psalm 23 is dear to me for more than the time I spent with my dad and kids. It reminds me of my heavenly Father and all the benefits of a relationship with him through Christ in the Spirit.
God is a Good Shepherd, providing for and protecting his sheep (vv. 1-4). David wrote this psalm, perhaps, while tending his sheep as a young boy. He was reminded of his role as a shepherd in leading his flock to life-giving food, water, and protected rest. God, as shepherd, reminds us we are his lambs who need his care, leadership, and tender mercy. God is not merely one shepherd among many or “a” shepherd. David demonstrates the personal relationship by saying he is “my” shepherd. He has the Lord, so what else could he want? He lacked nothing because of the loving provision and protection from his God. This is reflected elsewhere in his writings. Psalm 16:1-2 says, “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you, I have no good thing.’”
God leads us to greener pastures if we let him. Sometimes, we think our way is “green enough”. Mold is also green. But if we allow his leadership and follow him, we will find ultimate fulfillment in him. Sometimes, we need him to make us lie down – to be still and know he is God (Psalm 46:1). We must submit ourselves to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). He doesn’t send us to find green pastures and still waters – he leads us there. We must follow. His presence is with us wherever we go because His Spirit lives inside us! What a gift!
He also leads us through the darkest valleys of life. When the ravenous wolf attacks, he beats it back with the rod and hems us in with his staff. When the darkness attempts to swallow our souls, he helps us overcome the fear of evil, walking beside us, going before us, and filling within us. He brings comfort through his merciful presence. We need not fear. The shepherd of our souls is with us. He loves us. His loving presence ensures his provision and protection. Our souls are refreshed in the Lord.
He is a hospitable host who “prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies” (v. 5). We are his guests for supper. Eating with someone is one of the most intimate forms of fellowship. The covenant meal we share in Christ at his table reminds us that although we may be harassed, we get to dine in fellowship with the Lord most high! He anoints our wounds with healing oil that brings joy beyond the sorrows we face. His generosity overflows towards us! That excess is our expression to a watching world and an encouragement to those in need of the Good Shepherd.
Questions:
How has this season of Lent drawn you closer to the Good Shepherd?
What provision and protection do you need from His presence?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. You satisfy us in all ways. Lead us beside your quiet waters found in your presence. We will follow. Make us lie down in your green pastures. We submit to you. Thank you for your gracious and generous hospitality that spills over into others. Please help us stay close to you, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Read:
Psalm 23:1-6
Action Step:
Memorize Psalm 23.
stephen R Harrison 
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