Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
David says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leaded me beside the still waters.” It is almost impossible to get sheep to lie down or rest unless four requirements are provided for and met.
1. There is no rest unless they are free from panic and peril. We are the same way. People will not rest if they are afraid or worried about family, friends, finances, the feelings of others, and the future. God does not want to us to be living in constant fear. He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, 2 Timothy 2:7
2. Sheep also must be free of problems with the other sheep. They can’t rest if they are having constant conflicts with other sheep in the flock. We do not rest well when we are having conflicts with others, especially in our own family or in our church family, Hebrews 12:14.
3. Sheep must also be free of parasites such as flies. We must be free of bad, sinful habits that drain our spiritual strength if we are to grow.
4. Sheep must also be free of the pangs of hunger. They must be free of hunger if they are going to lie down.
We will not rest if we are spiritually hungry. Get in church and spend time with the Shepherd of our souls and the other sheep, Hebrews 10:25
Only the shepherd can provide release from these anxieties. Jesus is the one who provides release for us. A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. It is the presence of the shepherd that quiets down the sheep and stops their fighting. Spending time in God’s presence by studying God’s Word and praying will calm you down too. Green pastures speak of sustenance. God may literally make us lie down in order to get us to slow down and draw strength from Him. Our green pasture may be a hospital bed sometimes.
He is the Prince of Peace. He is Jehovah Shalom.
Welcome to the month of March,
May we learn in whatever circumstance we are in, to rest in Him, Amen.
Yours in Him,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
