He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2 NKJV

When my doctor recommended taking naps, the chains of guilt began breaking. In my mind, naps wasted time. I viewed any kind of break as a lack of productivity. My slightly elevated blood pressure and itchy eczema clued my doctor in on my stress.

The Ten Commandments didn’t preclude overworking, but they did include a day of rest to worship God. Our creator knows how essential rest is for us to function properly. God knows our bodies better than we know them.

IN Psalm twenty-three, the shepherd provides his sheep with a place conducive for rest. He works hard to provide green pastures for his flock. According to shepherd and pastor Phillip Keller, shepherds plant and irrigate the pastures, making them good grazing grounds for the sheep. The flock also won’t settle down when they feel insecure, hungry, or fearful. The Shepherd considers this when he prepares a serene pasture. sheep cannot rest if flies aggravate them, feeling discontent. Even though sheep are helpless, one sheep in the flock can bully the others, creating a sense of danger. *

The good shepherd provides a sense of safety for his flock. Does our great shepherd, Jesus Christ, do any less for us? When we give Him our schedules and our burdens, He allows us to rest.

The shepherd also leads his flock to the still waters to stay hydrated. Sheep won’t drink from rushing water. Friend, we need to leave the rushing waters of the world behind and drink from the water of Holy Spirit.

As a shepherd, David knew the needs of his father’s flock. One night, in the pastures, he probably began praying. He realized the similarities between his role as shepherd and the tender mercies of God. David has given us special insight into the role of shepherd.

I discovered that when I allow God full reign over my schedule, I actually accomplish more. When I sit with God for an extended time praying and listening, I never fall behind.

God didn’t create us to work like the Energizer bunny, or he would have included batteries. He wants us to be like the rabbits in my back yard, taking time as we nibble on clover. Your shepherd has prepared a time of rest for you. Will you take it?

Lord Jesus, I’m sorry I haven’t appreciated the rest You create for me with Your tender care. I haven’t allowed You to rule over my schedule, but that changes today. I am sitting that time aside now. Guard it from interruption and distraction. Thank You for being my good shepherd. Amen.

Dig Deeper

Read Psalm 127:2 NKJV:

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrow; for so He gives His beloved sleep.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Ask Holy Spirit to instruct you concerning stress and rest from this verse. What is your plan of action to obediently get more rest?

RELATED RESOURCE

Once you create a plan for rest, Satan will seek to destroy it, probably by giving you a full schedule. Get this free prayer guide which will offer up prayer prompts for spiritual warfare. Click here.

* Phillip W. Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1970, 2007, 2015) Kindle version, Chapter 3 and 4.

Originally posted on September 10, 2021 @ 3:00 am