It’s time to rest, truly rest.I love the words used in th...
I love the words used in this verse. In verse 1 the Psalmist actually states that we “will not want” - we will not be lacking, in need or become less than we already are. Think about that for a second, we will never be less than who we are today.
- when you doubt…you are not less than you are today
- when you fear…you are not less than you are today
- when you are run…you are not less than you are today
- when you stumble…
- when you hide…
- when you turn away…
- when you…
You will never be less than you are today because our shepherd knows you, he leads you, he guides you…he makes you lie down in green pastures, he leads you beside the still waters.
The word “make” here actually carries two meanings; to be constructed and to be compelled. Each of us are made to find rest in our shepherd…that is what we each have in common. The second meaning I think is a bit more personal, it is reflective of those that have a personal walk with God…we are compelled to lie down, we can’t help it, we find safety in knowing that he is leading, guiding, protecting, providing…we find rest in the fact that nothing can be taken from us and we are compelled to lie down, to stretch out with ease and find rest!
This is the rest that Jesus mentions to the disciples…you will find rest for your soul. I don’t know about anyone else but my soul longs for this and I think the moment I discover that I will never be lacking in my life…I long to lie down and find that rest for which I was made, constructed, designed.
The pastures by which we are led are beautifully adorn with praise and the waters are waters of rest. The beautiful imagery here is breath taking and if, in reading these words, your heart begins to beat ever more quickly, your soul cries our a little more loudly, your breath becomes just a bit deeper and richer…know that this is the heart that was constructed for the very rest you long for. It’s yours…simply recognize that your shepherd has more in store for you than you can imagine and that you will never be lacking for anything, ever again, and find rest.
