ICS Daily Devotions
Green Pastures and Still Waters
Psalms 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
What kind of sheep are you? Are you one who sleeps on green pastures and drinks from still waters? Or are you wandering around on your own, fearful of predators and trying to drink from quick flowing rivers?
King David wrote this Psalm probably in the latter part of his life as he recalled how God led, protected and provided for him in the face of his enemies. God is our Good Shepherd and we need to believe that He will lead us to an abundance of green pastures so that we are well fed and not fret whether we will be hungry or thirsty.
However, the prerequisite of being led to such green pastures and still waters is listening to the voice of the Shepherd and following Him. We must take time to listen, tune in to Him to hear what He is saying and where He is leading us so that we can rest in the green pastures and beside still waters. We must not be wandering around looking for greener pastures on our own and subjecting ourselves to the attack of the lions, bears and wolves out there.
John 10:3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Our God is thoughtful, He will lead us to a place of provision where we can relax and not feel fettered. It is a place of abundance and rest. A place where there is more than enough provision for us, and we can be refreshed by still waters.
Sheep are afraid of fast flowing streams, so God’s provision of still waters will have a soothing and calming effect on the sheep that follow Him. In contrast, those sheep that have wandered away on their own in search of greener pastures and water, they will be subjected to preying predators. Those sheep will not be able to rest when they are constantly in search of food and water because of the fear of predators.
Psalm 23 implies that sustenance is only discovered when the sheep follow the Shepherd. He will lead them to green pastures and quiet waters. But if they fail to follow the Shepherd, they may well find themselves with unresolved needs.
Have you ever noticed that your satisfaction level is directly correlated to your proximity with the Good Shepherd? The closer you are to Him, the more satisfied you will be and vice versa. The choice is yours! Follow the Shepherd and He will lead you to green pastures and still waters.
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Sermon Series: Knowing God My Good Shepherd
