[Unboxing Psalm 23] Still WatersSample

Rest

Psalm 23 is a song in which David captures how he perceives his relationship with God. It presents the perspective of a sheep speaking of the Good Shepherd who cares for it. The Shepherd is a representation of God.

As we study the psalm’s verses phrase by phrase, we find a greater meaning than what we can read at first glance. Thus, in the first verse, David introduces us to the Great Shepherd, the unique God, in whom David can be completely confident. David knows that, regardless of the circumstances, he will never lack under His care.

In verses 2-6, David tells us what the Shepherd provides for him. Let’s start reading the first part of verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

· He makes me: In Hebrew, this phrase does not refer to forcing or compelling. Rather, the Shepherd causes and creates the circumstances under which the sheep can rest; He leads the sheep to them and to desire to rest. The Shepherd knows that He must find the right place so that the sheep will rest, be refreshed, and be restored. The sheep do not follow nor trust a person they do not know. In the same sense, we need to know who our Shepherd is and let ourselves be led by Him.

We, like David, can identify with the sheep that are under the care of the Great Shepherd, the one almighty God. It is through our day-to-day relationship with our God that we can know what David expressed in the psalm. It is only through spending time with God, through getting to know who our Shepherd is, that we can experience the security of His care.

The first place where we can know the heart and character of God is in the Scriptures. All that God has wanted us to know about Him has already been revealed to us in the Bible. Our responsibility is to take the time to daily approach and read the Scriptures to make their revelation a part of us.

David had experienced God’s rest during the most hostile circumstances of his life. That is what he invites us to experience.

Lord, thank You for Your Word and Your great care for me. I ask that You allow me to experience Your rest in my circumstances.