By Pastor Andrew Farland
When I was young, my mom and I would pray the words of Psalm 23 together so much that I had it memorized.
As I got older, I began to realize that what seemed like a happy, fluffy prayer was actually a challenge from God about how big He is and how small we are.
In verse 2, the author says that God makes him lie down in green pastures, He leads him beside quiet waters, and restores his soul. Take a moment and focus on the words, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
God wants us to take time to recharge, away from distractions, to connect with Him. Some of my best moments over the last few years were when God took charge and made me lie down. I was too sick to leave my house and was forced to open my Bible. Those days were amazing because I spent the entire time with my Heavenly Father, refueling my soul for ministry.
Christians talk a lot about the free will that God has given them. They praise God for the grace that He gives freely to every man and woman on earth. Those are beautiful parts of the Christian faith, but what Christians usually forget is that God is both loving and sovereign.
God is in charge. What He says goes.
Now that I’m older, and I’m aware of the sovereignty of God, I think Psalm 23 is less of a suggestion and more of an order.
God says, “If you aren’t going to listen to me, I will make you do it!” And I believe He had to make me lie down and spend time with Him.
Remember this Truth today. If you aren’t willing to pause and recharge your soul, God will make you sit down! And trust me from experience, it’s a lot easier if you intentionally pause and meet with God before He has to force you to take a break.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
Be encouraged today because God is with you.
