How to Rest

When was the last time you felt truly at rest?

I don’t just mean you got lots of sleep, although that’s definitely a great thing! What I mean is, when was the last time you felt a robust sense of peace that settled your soul? This is the type of rest David refers to when he says,

“He makes me lie down...”

You see, sheep are quite finicky about when they will lie down. If they have any sense of unrest or turmoil, any idea that danger might be lurking nearby, they remain standing with their senses heightened, ready to run.

In order for sheep to physically rest, they first need a sense of internal rest.

With that understanding, David declares that it is the Lord who causes him to rest. Jesus your Shepherd is the source of your rest. In fact, in Matthew 11:28 Jesus says,

“Come to me when you are exhausted and worn out, and I will give you rest.”

But notice something: it’s not only about the act of resting, but also about where it takes place: in green pastures. I imagine the grass to be thick and soft… the perfect environment for a sheep to enjoy a good nap. The shepherd not only brings abiding peace on the inside, but also leads his sheep to a healthy and flourishing environment which is suited to their rest.

Sometimes to experience true rest, your environment – the spaces where and people with whom you spend your time - needs to change.

Take some time today for an honest examination of the choices that make up your current environment. Are you spending time in life-giving places? Are the people you surround yourself with encouraging you toward a thriving relationship with Jesus, or are they pulling you away from it?

Ask Jesus to show you what “green pastures” are for you. What type of environment will you flourish in? The Lord knows how to shepherd you toward the right environment for you. Ask Him to show you how to partner with Him in setting the scene in your life for abiding rest.