He Makes Me Lie Down in Green Pastures
Brian Jennings Photography
“Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.”
The idea of rest in a lush green pasture feels peaceful to me. Nature has a way of satisfying our souls. It gives us a place to exhale our worries and inhale beauty.
The Psalmist, David was a shepherd who grew up tending sheep. I imagine he loved the land. He knew the terrain of its rocky peaks and the cool fragrance of its wet valleys. He would wake in the morning to grasses glistening with dew, at mid-day he’d guide the flock to a refreshing stream, and in the evening, David would gaze with satisfaction across the hills, glowing amber in the sun.
Do you have a meaningful place that brings you peace?
God made His creation for us to enjoy. He didn’t have to make it beautiful, majestic, or fragrant for us, but he did.
If you need a little peace today, will you take time to enjoy something lovely in creation? Study the intricacies of a flower, lay on the lawn, stare up at the clouds, listen to a stream, smell a flower and memorize its scent, notice all the colors of the sunrise, feel the smooth petals of a rose, or study the night sky. The possibilities are endless. Take time for beauty. Breathe it all in.
Any day is a good day for appreciating creation. But it’s especially important if you feel caught in a place that seems harsh and cold, physically or emotionally. If you can’t actually touch the earth’s beauty, you can still recall it. Bask in something beautiful today and let God refresh your soul.
“Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”