The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (ESV)

“You just need a ‘you’ day.” “Your mental health is more important than…” We have all the best intentions when we say things like this to someone with a lot going on. These phrases sound good and even have merit, but by themselves, they do not answer how we can truly rest. How does God as our Shepherd have anything to do with rest and why should we rely on him in this area? David’s words in Psalm 23 are jam-packed with answers to how and why we can rest.  

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You likely have at least heard Psalm 23. It is often used in circumstances in which the person quoting it drones through the verses, unimpressed, because it holds no personal meaning. It does paint a picture that induces relaxation, but it is so much deeper and richer than many realize. I hope breaking down these first few verses will prompt your own study and encourage you to rely on God for the rest you need today.  

Verse 1 begins with the declaration, “The LORD...”. That’s right, capitol “L-O-R-D.” This is not some piddly, little “g” god. This is the Creator of the Universe. Then David claims him as “my,” indicating possession. It is as if he is saying, “You may know him too, but I claim him.” Do you claim the LORD as your own? His vastness put into the possessive almost demands the acknowledgment that my problems are small in comparison.  

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Have you ever been blindfolded and had to rely on instructions from another person? If so, you know your ears are GLUED to that voice that is telling you where to go and how to get there without getting hurt. Shepherding is an analogy used in the Bible often, but this idea of God being our Shepherd not only implies God's role (the voice), but that we are sheep (the blindfolded) who don’t always make the best choices on our own. Jesus, as always, explains it best in John 10:14 when he says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep and they know me.” A good shepherd knows and loves each sheep. He is aware of their quirks and their propensity to wander. He is their protector, he speaks gently, and his sheep know his voice. He is trusted. Do you trust God?

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There are several versions of the Bible that word the next phrase as “I want for nothing.” I would say, “I do not need a single thing.” This is God generously covering all our needs. He even provides for the needs we did not know we had. Like a fantastic host, he thought of everything. You can rest knowing he anticipates your every move.  

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The next phrase, “He makes me lie down in green pastures,” implies some willfulness on our end and some force on God’s part. Maybe you’ve known children who despise bedtime. At some point, bedtime must be enforced, but the child will not choose it on their own. For some of us, not much changes as adults. Our minds race a thousand directions, so while our bodies may go through the motion of rest, we are not resting. God knows us well. He knows we will not rest a peaceful, “want for nothing” kind of rest on our own. In Genesis 1:31-2:2, God set the example by taking stock of all he had done, seeing that it was good, and then resting. I challenge you to take stock of all God has given. I believe you will see it is good. When things are good, we can rest, because he is in control.

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David finishes this sentence with the picture of “green pastures.” I think that sounds like a dreamy place to relax. Green pastures indicate abundance. Not only does he have our needs covered, but he has met them lavishly, plentifully. We truly can want for nothing.  

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If God had given you a glimpse of your life today back when you were a child, it would feel like a fire hydrant of information, overwhelming and fear-inducing. Likewise, rushing waters make sheep anxious, and they are less likely to cooperate. Sound familiar? The last phrase, “He leads me beside still waters” is a gentle picture of God incrementally giving you what you need each day. He never intended for you to worry about things you cannot control. He’s demonstrated his ability to care for you in every way, and so he leads in incremental steps and abundant blessing.  

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When we declare the LORD is our Shepherd, we are putting our problems in the proper light. It is not that they disappear, but we trust him so much that we do not need to worry, which allows us to rest. To me, these verses say, “The Creator loves me, and I trust him to lead me. He cares for all my needs for today, and I will not worry about tomorrow.” Can you personalize these verses for yourself? Can you rest in him today?  

God, I am so thankful that I am yours. You have provided abundantly for me, and I know you want me to trust you and rely on you. Help me to hear your voice and trust you to lead me today. I want to rest in you. Amen.