Two-minute read.
“How are you doing?” My friend Claire asked as I arrived at our last women’s breakfast.
“Tired. I’m tired.”
My honest response, I think, surprised her at first, but then she said, “Me too.”
We live in a world that never stops. Keeping up with the constantly changing world around us, with a slew of unmet needs, wears anyone out. But God has an answer to the world’s chaos.
He makes us lie down in green pastures.
The Lord knows we need rest, and He provides it through His shepherding. Like sheep who won’t lie down if they feel hungry, afraid, irritated, or uncomfortable, God provides conditions for rest. Through His Spirit, we learn to trust the Savior and stop striving. Rest doesn’t mean laziness; it means trust.
God doesn’t merely tell us where to go; He leads us.
After pouring my heart out at our women’s breakfast, I felt weary. The Lord led me to rest. When I got home, I spent the afternoon outside in our backyard, resting in the shade with my husband. All of the world’s troubles slid away as I allowed the Lord to lead me to a quiet place where I could let it all go.
Green pastures and quiet waters lead to a restored soul.
Although we may not find ourselves in green pastures physically, we can find ourselves there spiritually. Closing our eyes, we can envision the quiet waters surrounded by luscious green fields. We can experience the peace that surpasses all understanding as we focus our thoughts and minds on Jesus. Sitting quietly with the Savior will restore your soul and give rest to the weary.
God restores what life drains.
Restoring brings something back to health, strength, or usefulness. As we learn to take time to rest in the Lord, we will find restoration. When we try to carry life on our own, we will experience spiritual and emotional exhaustion. But David reminds us that we don’t have to restore ourselves. The Shepherd does it.
Sometimes, God answers our prayers with rest.
Lying down can become the most spiritual thing you do.
God invites us to live differently, letting Him lead us, and, as the Shepherd does, He restores our souls.
Journal Questions:
- Where in my life am I striving instead of resting and trusting God?
What would it look like for me to let God lead me into His “green pastures” today? - What is draining my soul right now?
Where do I need God to restore, refresh, and renew me? - Am I willing to follow God’s direction even when I cannot see the whole path?
What is one step I believe God is asking me to take, and how can I trust Him with what comes next?
Application:
Lie down, take a nap, let the Lord restore your soul.
