Linkage Leads to Rest

David, who was once a shepherd, knew the role well.

Shepherds took care of their flock. They loved, guided, and protected their sheep. Sheep were not often seen as intelligent animals because they were prone to wandering. They needed protection and guidance. They were deemed not usually to be aware of what they needed next.

David understands the relationship between shepherds and their sheep. In this context, he draws an analogy to describe who God is, using his own experiences and familiarity with shepherding.

Note: David was a shepherd before he was a king, so he can relate to how shepherds care for their sheep. He understands that, just like the sheep he tended, he was bought for a price, and David knew God would nurture, protect, guide, and care for him as he did his sheep.

**Pause + Be Still Moment**

To know God's character, we must take time to relate to Him on a level we can understand. This means envisioning Him in real-life situations as a figure we can trust. The Bible uses analogies to guide those who struggle with grasping God's concept and power. In most instances, these analogies allow them to understand His nature on a level that speaks to their hearts.

What nurturing roles are you currently familiar with? For example, as a parent, I can make a real-life connection that helps me understand God's role as a Shepherd for His sheep. I am here to love, provide, protect, and guide my daughter. I know that God, as my Shepherd, desires to do the very same for me.

Let's move on to the second verse in this Psalm and see how God guides David as his Shepherd. In Psalm 23:2, David expresses that God makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him beside still waters.

David accepts God's command to lie down and be still because he recognizes both the role of a Shepherd and God as His Shepherd. In this understanding, he trusts that God knows what he needs.David's ability to relate to who God is, leads to his ability to rest in who He is.

Our ability to link to the nature and character of God using real-life examples we will understand will significantly impact our ability to rest in who He is.

**Let's Pray**

Dear God,

Thank you for providing safety and protection so that we, as your children, can rest. Help us to know who You are on a level that helps us to accept your command to rest. Father, show us the green pastures in our lives and teach us how to lay down and trust you in those places. Hold our hands, guide us, and help us notice the still waters as You do. Thank you for being a Good Shepherd. Help us to continue to nurture a personal relationship with You.

In Christ's Name, Amen

**Journaling Moment**

Where are the green pastures and still waters that God invites you to experience? What would you have to surrender to follow Him into those places in this season of your life?