Psalm 23:2 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
In order to be blest, sheep need to follow close to the Shepherd. When believers do, this verse reveals two important blessings.
The first blessing is rest. The Shepherd knows when we are weary and need to “lie down.” He knows our frame and does not drive us beyond what His strength is capable of giving us (II Cor. 12:9).
Part of that rest, of course, is knowing that He will take care of our needs. It would be hard to rest and get refreshed if we are overly concerned about where our next meal might come from. This verse says that He lets us rest in “green pastures” – a place where there is sufficient food to eat.
When sheep do not stay close to the Shepherd, they can drift away. Probably not deliberately – but accidently. When they get lost, they lose their way and may not find the rest or provision they want and need.
Christians can drift away from our Shepherd and will soon find a lack of peace, joy, and blessing. Anxiety can creep in because they have “forgotten their resting place” (“My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace” Jer. 50:6).
The second blessing is that “he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Sheep are naturally afraid of turbulent water, but will drink at “still waters.” Again, the loving Shepherd knows just what we need.
The Holy Spirit is often depicted in the Bible as water. Jesus referred to the water He gives to the woman at the well. Later, He promised that believers would have “living water” flowing within which would quench their thirst (“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). This is a reference to the fruit of the Spirit – the love, joy, peace, etc., that calms our spirit – even in the face of trouble. He gives us a peace which the world cannot know.
Christian friend, if you are troubled today about things happening (or not happening) in your life, let me encourage you to come back to the Savior and stay close to Him. Read the Word often, pray, meet regularly with other believers, etc. When you do, you will once again be able to enjoy Him and His peace, love, and joy.