“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures” -Psalm 23:1, 2
The Good Shepherd puts us in a very good place. Do you believe that? Are you experiencing it? As you look around your life do you see “green pastures”? Our relationship with the Shepherd should determine how we see the world around us. There is a certain amount of faith and trust in God that is required for us to see these green pastures. For many of us, when we look around at our circumstances, all we see is a dry and weary land. Where are the green pastures?
The Scripture today declares that, if the Lord is our Shepherd, than He puts us into “green pastures”. Why are they so hard to see? For some it may be the proverbial “greener” grass of others. We look over the fence at what we do not have and see what others do have and, for this reason, we cannot appreciate the blessings we have been given. For others, it is the “half empty” syndrome. “Yes, the grass is green but it’s really not my color”. “It could be greener.” Whatever the reason, according to the Bible, it is a matter of perspective.
God knows your circumstances. He has gone to great lengths to make sure that you have everything that you need to experience the blessings that come in green pastures. Yet many would say they are not experiencing that. In Psalm 23 David is trying to give us that divine perspective. That is one of the reasons that this Psalm has given so much comfort for thousands of years to believers. The Lord is our Shepherd. He meets our needs. We can rest (lie down) in His arms (green pastures).
My friend, if the Lord is your Shepherd, He has put you in a very good place. Ask God to open your eyes today that you may see and rejoice and rest in this truth. The Good Shepherd has laid down His life so that you might lay down in the green pastures.
Lets read again.
“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.”