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FINDING REST IN PSALM 23
We are a lot like sheep.
Thankfully, we have a Good Shepherd.
PSALM 23:1-4
“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.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
“He guides me along the
right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Sheep are nervous, fearful animals that fight rest.
They are exhausted by pests like flies, they can't endure
social tension and they won't go to sleep until they have been fed.
As I examine my own life, I find that I am not very
different.
The culture around us distracts us and a life filled with
stress and exhaustion is normal.
In this Psalm, King David is showing us that God is the
best source of rest.
If we choose to be led by Him, He can protect us and lead
us to the best food for our souls.
Jesus promises us rest, too.
MATTHEW 11:28-30 NIV
“Come to me, all you who
are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden
is light.”
God's Word is a great place for us to rest.
Try this practice, which some of the earliest Christians
used, while reading the Bible when you need restoration for your soul:
Step
1: Read - listen for something
Step 2: Reflect - how is my
life touched by this word?
Step 3: Respond - what is my
response to you, God?
Step 4: Rest - abandon yourself
to the love of God
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