October 2, 2020 - A Good "lie down"

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures… Psalm 23:2a

One could interpret this verse a different way by saying, “He makes me stop what I’m doing and take a break at the place that He has specifically prepared for me.

Many do not like to take a break from they’re doing. Some even see it as a hindrance to progress. But, they are necessary. Sometimes, one must just … stop.

Notice that David points out that it is a green pasture at which the shepherd has called the rest and it’s a place for the sheep to not only lie down but also to get food if they’re hungry. It’s green. It’s not just a whimsical or spur of the moment call for a break. Even if the sheep don’t need food they might need the “lie down.” Maybe they’d keep moving – to failure – if the shepherd didn’t make them stop occasionally. It’s probably both.

Today, right now, do you need to take a “lie down”? Do you need to pause, look around, and see where the Shepherd has stopped you? The weather’s nice these days. Maybe it’s that - just sit outside for a few moments. Or, maybe before you get out, sit in your car with the window rolled down and the engine off – for just a few minutes.

- Lord, help us to take a good “lie down” today. When You stop us, help us to look around and see why You’ve “paused” us…