The constant pressure, frequent chaos, and unrelenting nature of life has many people longing for quiet. If they could just steal a moment of silence, catch their breath for a second, or escape for a weekend, maybe they could feel restored.
For me, rest calls to mind the green pastures and still waters of Psalm 23, whose sweet, poetic words have ministered to my heart upon multiple occasions—not only crises of exhaustion and anxiety, but of temptation and tragedy, despair and delight—drawing me back yet again to the peaceful presence of Christ.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The truth is, my wandering heart needs a guide to navigate the terrain of life. My wondering mind needs a voice to unravel the doubt of opposition. And my vulnerable soul needs a guardian to tackle the perils of the journey.
What shepherd is equipped, but the Lord? What leader is able, but the Lord? What father is willing, but the Lord?
“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I Myself will search for My sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out My sheep, and I will rescue them.” – Ezekiel 34:11-12
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep … I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me.” – John 10:11, 14
“For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:25
The Good Shepherd is gentle, lowly, and tender, yet mighty, fearsome, and accomplished. Not one of His sheep will slip out of His fold, stray from His sight, or be consumed by the enemy. Indeed, He is “the great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20).
In His wisdom and grace, He knows His people need rest … protection … security … hope … and He provides it all, in abundance, through green pastures and dark valleys alike.
I need nothing, fear nothing, nor prove nothing because I am safe with the Shepherd. He’s got it covered.
Abby
