WHERE GOD LEADS

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." - Psalm 23:2

A shepherd has several tasks.  His is to guide his sheep, protect his sheep and provide for his sheep.  The sheep are his responsibility.

When David wrote the twenty-third psalm, he drew upon his experience as a shepherd as he wrote about the goodness of God.  David recognized the Lord as being his shepherd.  Now, in verse 2, he relates how God was leading him. 

1.  A PLACE OF REST

First of all, David wrote that God led him to a place of rest.  "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."  In a world of busyness and tight schedules, it is refreshing to have a place of tranquility and rest.  Notice that, like a sheep, the Lord had led him to "lie down in green pastures."  When sheep lie down, they enjoy a time of rest.  There's nothing to fear during this rest because the shepherd is still vigilant, keeping guard over his sheep. 

It is comforting to know that the Lord is watching over us.  When we sleep at night, we are still under His care.  Psalm 121:4 teaches us that the Lord never slumbers nor sleeps.  He is constantly on guard.

The Lord leads us to a place of rest.  In fact, He invites people to rest.  Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).  We find rest when our resting place is the Lord Himself.  He leads His people to rest in the fertile green pastures of His grace.

2.  A PLACE OF PEACE

Like a shepherd, the Lord leads His people to a place of peace.  David wrote, "he leadeth me beside still waters."  It is a place of serenity.  The Lord does not promise to still the commotion of this world for us every day, but He does provide peace in the midst of the storm.  "Peace I leave with you," Jesus said.  While many seek world peace, they fail to experience personal peace that is freely available in Christ. 

Psalm 91:1 states, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."  It is possible to hide under the shadow of the Almighty.  There in His shadow is perfect peace. 

Our text reminds me of the old song:

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,

God leads His dear children along;

Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,

God leads His dear children along.

Some through the waters, some through the flood,

Some through the fire, but all through the blood;

Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,

In the night season and all the day long.

The Good Shepherd is leading us.  He knows where He's going.  He is strong and powerful.  He'll take care of His children.  He'll provide for His children.  He will guide His children.  We can trust Him with today and the future that lies ahead.  The path we're on is leading to the Father's house.  

I'm glad He's leading & I intend to follow all the way.