Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our watchful Shepherd. Here are my thoughts on the next phrase from Psalm 23.
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.”
What would this scenario mean to a sheep? I picture a scene
of tranquility and security, coupled with provision. The sheep is well-cared
for, having plenty of good food to eat. This is a setting where the sheep can
rest at peace, knowing that the shepherd has not only directed it to a good place,
but that he is on guard and alert to any dangers. This speaks to me of peaceful
protection and provision under the Shepherd’s care. What commentary might David
provide on his own psalm?
Two companion verses speak of safe and peaceful sleep. “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me” (Ps. 3:5). “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). There are two aspects to this sleep. The first is from the beginning of the sleep. Trust and confidence in the Shepherd allow the believer to have enough peace to lie down and sleep. Neither fears nor anxieties nor the troubles of the day past nor the one to come need to prevent sleep. When it comes time to sleep, the believer can peacefully do so. The second aspect is what happens in the morning. He wakes up. While that may seem obvious, the reason is because God sustained him and kept him safe. There is never a guarantee of waking up in the morning. When it happens, it is because the Shepherd kept watch through the night.
The next two verses have to do with the Shepherd’s leading. “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly [beautiful] heritage” (Ps. 16:6). “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me” (Ps. 18:19). Certainly, there are difficult times in life, but they are not the whole of life. The reality is that when we walk with God, we are basically in a good place. That is true of our spirits and of our peace as redeemed people, if not always in every practical detail. To be in fellowship with God – yes, that is truly to be in a pleasant and beautiful place. The second verse captures a bit of the before and after picture. We were not in such a good place before the Shepherd rescued us. It is only His intervention and subsequent leading that brings us to the broad place of luxurious greenness. And it is because He delights in us!
Finally, we have the Shepherd’s careful attention. “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways” (Ps. 139:2-3). His care is constant and thorough. He watches over all our path and knows all our ways, because He is with us and on guard. He knows every time we sit or lie down and every time we stand up. He knows because He is watching and alert. He is thoroughly and constantly concerned for our condition and well-being.
We can lie in peace in the rich pasture to which He has led us. He makes sure it is a good and plentiful place that will meet our needs. He watches to make sure we are safe. He gives us a good heritage and remains attentive at every moment. No wonder we can rest in peace under His watchful care! May He truly give you a sense of peace as you rest in His care this week.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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