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

Today's verse is the beginning of a list of seven things that the LORD, our Shepherd does for us.

Firstly, He 'makes me to lie down.' This is not the same word as 'forces' - it implies that the shepherd allows the sheep to rest when they are weary. He notices that they need rest, so he takes them to a place where he sits down, and the sheep gather near Him to rest.

When you've had an extremely busy day, it's so good to lie down on your bed at night and start to relax! We need to take time to escape the busyness of the world, and lie down near the Shepherd. Note that this rest is for the individual, as well as for the group - usually the entire flock lies down in the field together.

Also, nothing is mentioned of immediate food in the Psalm. The first thing sheep usually do, after spending a night in the sheepfold, is to find grazing. But, by using the phrase 'lying down in green pastures', the psalmist implies that the sheep have already grazed and are content to lie down.

Note: they lie down in green pastures. Food is all around them - there is no shortage (which points us back to verse 1: "I shall not lack.")

The term 'green' indicates fresh, new grass. The Shepherd always feeds us with fresh, living food, indicative of the meal we have from His word.

Secondly, 'He leads me beside the still waters.' The shepherd leads; the sheep follow. If they don't, they stray and are lost or in danger.

Still waters: here's a picture of peace - let your mind form a picture. The sheep drink from pools, where the water is still. Still waters - symbolic of calmness, serenity and sanity!

Are you willing to let the Good Shepherd lead you into this new day; to give you rest when you are weary, and cool water when you thirst?