He Makes Me

"He makes me lie down in green pastures ..." Psalm 23:2a

I am so thankful that God, at times, forces me to lie down and rest. The word make here doesn't mean that God is controlling, it means that He is purposefully making His sheep to lie down for a cause. It's comforting and restorative.

The word green pastures (4999) in the original Hebrews means this: fresh grass, new growth, tender grass. A place where flocks and herds can graze, dwell and lie down to rest.

Once again, God doesn't lead us to a dry desert full of tumbleweeds and sand billows—no, that is not the kind of Shepherd that wants to direct your life.

When God leads us, He leads us to a place of abundant provision, a place with the best grass, the best grazing ground, the best nourishment for our lives.

And get this, when I was researching about sheep I learned that once sheep taste fresh grass, they don't want to go back to anything else! They may not want to follow the Shepherd at first, but when they get a taste of the pastureland He has for them, they start to crave it.

I also learned that green pastures are essential for nutrients, strength, growth and stamina of the sheep. Meaning, if they don't follow the Shepherd to this place, they won't get what they need to survive. This is especially true for expecting mothers.

Could it be that the season of rest that you have been fighting against is actually a preparation pasture for the miracle God wants to birth through you in this next season?

Don't fight it. Follow God willingly. Embrace the pasture.

Lots to think on together,

Photo Credit: Helena Lopes from pexels.com