Peaceful Rest

A Study in the Psalms: Psalm 23

Keller, W. Phillip. "He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures." A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1970. 35-48. Print.

Psalm 23:2a

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

What a beautiful image! The sheep look so relaxed, having no cares in the world. 

Keller points outs that sheep "refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear...free from friction with others of their kind...free from pests [such as flies or parasites]...free from hunger."(35) According to Keller, only the shepherd can relieve his sheep of these fears. This helps paint such a beautiful picture of my relationship with Jesus. He is the only One who can provide me rest.

"In the Christian's life, there is no substitute for the keen awareness that my Shepherd is nearby. There is nothing like Christ's presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown." (35-36) I live in a world filled with fear and anxiety. My initial reaction, like a sheep, is to run, yet Christ, my Good Shepherd, is there. He is in control and always will be, even when things seem to be spiraling out of control. I am able to rest knowing I can be free from fear with Him in control.

Psalm 4:8

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Sheep cannot rest if there is friction among them. They have to stand and defend their rights.

This continuous conflict and jealousy within the flock can be a most detrimental thing. The sheep become edgy, tense, discontented and restless.

But one point that always interested me very much was that whenever I came into view and my presence attracted their attention, the sheep quickly forgot their foolish rivalries and stopped their fighting. The shepherd's presence made all the difference in their behavior. (40)

I see a lot of that struggle in this world I live in...always trying to keep up with the other person or be better than they are. Jealousy arises and discontent grows. David, however, in this verse, paints a wonderful picture of peace and contentment. My focus should not be on becoming better than the other person. My focus should not be on trampling others to reach the top spot at a job.  My focus needs to be on Christ. I found it interesting that Keller pointed out the less aggressive sheep are more content and restful. It is that way in the Christian walk as well.  "When my eyes are on my Master they are not on those around me.  This is the place of peace." (42)

Psalm 46:3

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

 Sheep can become completely distracted and tormented by pesky flies and they will not rest when these pests are around. It takes the diligence of the shepherd to prevent these insects from bothering his flock.

A good shepherd will apply various types of insect repellents to his sheep. He will see that they are dipped to clear their fleeces of ticks. And he will see that there are shelter belts of trees and bush available where they can find refuge and release from their tormentors. (43)

This requires a lot of care and time on the part of the shepherd, yet his main goal is to keep the sheep quiet and content.  It's the same way in my Christian walk. There will always be those small annoyances that bother me. Keller likens the repellents on the sheep and their dipping to the Holy Spirit who brings quietness and peace and makes "real in me the very presence of Christ." When I let Him know that something is bothering me and let Him take care of it, He comes in and brings a peace that can only come from God.

The last thing sheep need in order to lie down is freedom from hunger. Keller explains that many of the great sheep countries are dry. The pastures where David kept his father's flock were in "a dry, brown, sun-burned wasteland."

Green pastures did not just happen by chance. Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time, and skill in land use. Green pastures were the result of clearing the rough, rocky land; of tearing out brush and roots and stumps; of deep plowing and careful soil preparation; of seeding and planting special grains and legumes; of irrigating with water and husbanding with care the crops of forage that would feed the flocks. (45)

If the sheep are to enjoy green pastures, as Psalm 23:2 states, then the shepherd has a great deal of work to do. Keller likens this to Christ's work in my life.  Jesus works to clear out the rough, dry land. He tries to clear out the roots of bitterness and sin that may have dug deep in my heart.  He tills the soil of my heart in order to plant the seed of His Word. Then He continues to cultivate my heart so that it doesn't become that dry, barren land it once was.This takes time and effort on His part, because it's not a once and done action. My heart is constantly needing cultivating and care to keep the "pastures green" so to speak. He provides the green pastures if I provide the willing heart. I have to do my part by spending time with Him and in His Word and allow Him to continually till the soils of my heart.

What a beautiful picture of how my Shepherd "makes me lie down in green pastures." The time and effort He puts into caring for me and the love He has for me is beyond comprehension. I can experience a quiet, peaceful rest with Christ as my Shepherd.