“He makes me lie down in green pastures”

As is typical with this Psalm, there seems to be both a physical and a spiritual application to be made of the statement before us. From a physical standpoint, sheep lying down in green pastures continues to emphasize the providential care of the Shepherd. The picture here is that of peaceful rest. Experts in the behavior of sheep tell us that getting sheep to lie down is very difficult at times. In order for them to do so, they have to pretty much have complete peace. If they are afraid, they will not lie down. If they are hungry, they will not lie down. If they are bothered by some kind of pest (flies, fleas, etc.), they will not lie down. If they are having problems with other sheep, they will not lie down. So, the words of David are describing the results of a good shepherd who has provided the sheep with relief from all anxiety and has supplied everything the sheep need for sustenance. Green pastures are pastures that are lush and full and ready to be grazed. So, along with the still waters, we get a picture of a shepherd who has provided the sheep with plenty of food and drink so now they can just rest. The sheep, in other words, have been provided for so sufficiently that the only thing left for them to do is lie down. It would be like one of us sitting down before a perfectly prepared, mouth-watering meal and not eating anything. There would only be one thing that would stop us from devouring the meal before us and that would be that we were already satisfied. That is the picture of sheep lying down in green pastures. They are not grazing. They are not drinking from the still waters. They are just lying down because the shepherd has provided for them, and they are completely satisfied. Our Shepherd does the same for us. He causes us to lie down in green pastures by satisfying our every need and more. There is nothing that we need that God has not provided. God has given us a place to live, food to eat, and water to drink. He has given us clothes to wear and has made provisions for all of our cares. Maybe we do not have everything that we ever wanted. Maybe we do not have every luxury that we ever craved. But, our good Shepherd has given us more than enough.

From a spiritual standpoint, green pastures could represent the word of God. Spiritually speaking, our food is God’s Word. The Hebrews writer spoke of tasting the goodness of the word of God (Hebrews 6:5), and the Psalmist declared, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103). Indeed, for the child of God, having full and complete access to the word of God is like sheep being surrounded by green pastures. God’s word gives us all the sustenance that we need to live and thrive spiritually. It gives us peace of mind and rest from anxiety by teaching us the true meaning of life (Matthew 16:24-27). It guides us in decision-making like lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalms 119:105). It protects us, even from ourselves, and helps us to avoid sinning against God (Psalms 119:11). Most importantly, the word of God fills us with faith, for as Paul taught, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Sheep only benefit from the Shepherd when they abide in his presence and listen to his words. He will guide them to green pastures and still waters where they have plenty of nourishment and can find peaceful rest. We have the same in Christ. Our Shepherd has led us to green pastures too, but we must abide in His presence and listen to His words. If you do that, you will find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30).

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.