Psalm 23 describes for us the gift of abundant life that Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, offers to us if we are willing to follow Him in it. The Lord Jesus wants to share with us the Life that He has and enjoys.
He gives contentment and peace in the midst of frenzied and confused world.
The image of a sheep laying down in green pastures describes a sheep that is content even though it is surrounded by plenty (verse 2). One of the problems we have in our culture is what I like to call the “cafeteria syndrome.” We see so much good stuff we think we need it all. This is one of the reasons the storage room business is booming. We lack contentment.
Quiet waters describes rest and peace and refreshment; the opposite of “the news.” The offer to follow Jesus Christ and to lay down in green pastures beside quiet waters is to discover what God intended our lives to have when He created us; Life with Him. This does not mean that we ignore problems. Even the Garden of Eden had snakes! It does mean that we can choose the offer from our Good Shepherd of something greater than our problems and greater than our blessings; His presence.
Think of the most contented and peaceful moment you have ever enjoyed in your life. That experience was given to you by the Lord to encourage you to know what life with Him is like; not a life absent of worry or trouble, but a life that has contentment and peace that is more powerful than any worry or trouble!
God’s promise to us is that He will be with us in trouble. His presence with you is greater than any other good thing (blessings) and greater than any threat (peace). Call upon the Lord, seek after Him, desire the Life that He desires and has promised to give you; today!
Bubba Stahl
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