Uncommen: Rest BoldlySýnishorn

The Ultimate Rest Area

Psalm 23 is a familiar chapter for Christians to read when they need encouragement and peace. Many read this daily! Why? It assures us of God's presence!


When we're going through suffering or trials, it can be easy to become laser-focused on our circumstances or surroundings. Importantly, this verse doesn't ignore the circumstances. David is in the valley. It's acknowledged. Yet, God is still there. It provides peace and, importantly, rest.

1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The Lord is enough. I don't want or need anything else. I need Him. This is sorely needed for my daily life, but it can be challenging to exercise consistently. 

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

God provides the peace of green pastures and still waters. Now, that's real peace. He knows we need it, too. He "makes" me lie down... for His glory and my good.


3. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


The means of grace (prayer, reading the Word, fellowship, Lord's Support) are important ways that God restores your soul. They are also ways that he leads us in paths of righteousness. This isn't a "trust your gut" leading. It pushes us to the resources He's already given us.


4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Again, the valley is not avoided. We're in it. It's dark and difficult. God comforts us, though. Because of his comfort, we can have no fear. He is in control!


5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

When it may feel like everything is falling down around us, God provides for us, anoints us, and blesses us beyond measure.


6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What a fantastic way to end the chapter so that our restless soul can be comforted in the fact that God is with us here and has a place for us in His house. 

You can see why this chapter is such a comfort to many who are seeking to calm their spirit. While there will be valleys, trials, and enemies, God is there with us every step of the way. He knows the path we are on and guides, protects, blesses, and leads us through.


Uncommen Questions: 

Where do you go when you need to rest?


Do you spend time in God's Word daily?

Uncommen Challenge:


Rest in prayer and God's Word. Resting in the Lord is the best kind of rest.