Sometimes life can be hectic. If we are not careful, we will find ourselves consumed with busy work—trying to fix problems we said we had given to the Lord and implementing solutions we claim we are trusting God to handle.
From time to time, God humbles us by showing us that all of our labor is in vain when we do not trust Him. Often He allows us to see that no amount of effort can move the needle, fix the issue, or change the circumstance. That is usually when we find ourselves repenting, promising once again to trust Him. As we yield to His Holy Spirit, we begin to settle down and receive the comfort that His Word and His promises provide.
It was in one of those moments that I heard the Lord say, “He makes me to lie down.” This was not the first time God had spoken these words to me. In the midst of health issues, financial pressure, and various struggles, He had likewise whispered them to my spirit. I am so glad He keeps pursuing, keeps speaking, and keeps reaching out to draw us closer.
“He makes me to lie down” comes from Psalm 23, written by David—a shepherd and a man after God’s own heart. I can imagine David lying back, watching his sheep, recalling his own duties as a shepherd and equating them with the Good Shepherd. He guides His sheep, protects them from enemies both great and small, tends to their health, goes before them to prepare the way, feeds them, and even lays down His life for them.
Sheep cannot rest when they are irritated, fearful, anxious, hungry, discontent, or when there is friction in the flock. They can only lie down when they have eaten and the danger or concern has been removed. So what are you concerned about? What is irritating you? Why are you discontent? As the psalmist asks, “Why is my soul disquieted within me?” Why are you troubled, confused, vexed, or in an uproar? Why is your mind disquieted by your cares?
I once read that during the summer months the shepherd takes the sheep to the high places for better grazing. It is a journey in itself. On that journey the sheep become even more dependent on the shepherd. Psalm 91:1 reminds us: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him will I trust.”
In times of unrest, two scriptures especially draw me to the Good Shepherd, where He makes me lie down in rest because He deals with the enemies of my soul and the conspirators against my destiny:
- “Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
- “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease, relieve, and refresh your souls].” — Matthew 11:28
We can do this because we do not have a High Priest who is unable to understand and sympathize with our weaknesses and the assaults of temptation. He has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The next verse invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace.
Humbling myself under the mighty hand of God, confessing my faults, and expressing my need for Him all strengthen my relationship with the Master. I have come to appreciate who He is and His power to deliver me and put my fears to rest. When the enemy comes to stir up fear, I remember the words God spoke to me, and they become a sword against my enemies.
Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me.” Draw near to God. In that place, He makes me to lie down.