He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures

To be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravation and hunger. . . It is only the sheepman himself who can provide release from these anxieties. . .

It is actually he who makes it possible for them to lie down, to rest, to relax, to be content and quiet and flourishing. . .

The same is true for people. . .

In the Christian's life there is no substitute for the keen awareness that my Shepherd is nearby. . .

We live a most uncertain life. . . We live either in a sense of anxiety, fear and foreboding, or in a sense of quiet rest. Which is it? . . .

It is the special office work of God's gracious Spirit to convey this sense of the Christ to our fearful hearts. He comes quietly to reassure us that Christ Himself is aware of our dilemma and deeply involved in it with us. . .

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound (disciplined)
mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). . .

There is the eternal competition "to keep up with the Joneses" or, as it is now - "to keep up with the Joneses' kids." . . .

The struggle for self-assertion and self-recognition goes on. . .

It is here that much jealousy arises. . .

One of the outstanding marks of a Christian should be a serene sense of gentle contentment. . .

It was the Shepherd's presence that put an end to all rivalry. . .When we become acutely aware of being in the presence of Christ, our foolish, selfish snobbery and rivalry will end. it is the humble heart walking quietly and contentedly in the close and intimate companionship of Christ that is at rest, that can relax, simply glad to lie down and let the world go by.

When my eyes are on my Master they are not on those around me. This is the place of peace. . .

It is His estimation of me that is of consequence. . .

To be thus, close to Him, conscious of His abiding Presence, made real in my mind, emotions and will by the indwelling gracious Spirit, is to be set free from fear of my fellow man and whatever he might think of me. . .

In the Christian life there are bound to be many small irritations. There are the annoyances of petty frustrations and ever-recurring disagreeable experiences. . .

Can one come to the place of quiet contentment despite them? . . .

This is one of the main functions of the gracious Holy Spirit. In Scripture He is often symbolized by oil - by that which brings healing and comfort and relief from the harsh and abrasive aspects of life. . .

He brings quietness, serenity, strength, and calmness in the face of frustrations and futility. . .

For the child of God, the Old Testament account of Israel moving from Egypt into the Promised Land, is a picture of us moving from sin into the life of overcoming victory. We are promised such a life. . .

His concern for my care is beyond my comprehension. . .

But the Good Shepherd has supplied green pastures for those who care to move in onto them and there find peace and plenty.

-From A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller; pp. 28-37

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