He Makes Me Lie Down

Psalm 23 says "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, (3)he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. (4)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."(New International Version)

As I walk along this journey in life I become very overwhelmed, anxiety-ridden, and want to give up through my trials and tribulations. I get sad, bitter, and angry when hurt comes my way. I want to flee from decisions that I need to make and I get tired of doing everything by myself. But through all the noise I hear God say, "Stop!" and he lays me down in the green pasture next to the still waters. He does not give me a choice in the matter. Psalm 23 comes to mind because he "makes" me lie down in green pastures, next to still waters. It is a quiet place with the wind blowing through the fields as God comforts me. As I lay they he refreshes my soul. He renews my very being so that when I get back up, I can tackle the weights of my world will a fresh being.

A year and a half ago when I lost my husband, it was the darkest moment I have ever known. There was no light. The darkest valley had arrived. But God's word said "I walk through", I do not sit or stop or stay there. I keep going because He is with me. I had a lot of fear after that, but God flushed that fear out with his comfort and presence. Fear still tries to get in, but it is not welcome to stay.

I encourage you today, that if you are in that dark valley, keep going. Do not stop, keep walking. God is with you, and He is for you. If you love him, you are his child and he promises to never leave or forsake his children (Deut. 31:6 ). He says come near to him and he will come near to you (James 4:8 ). So I encourage you to visualize yourself laying in the pasture, near the quiet waters where it is calm and peaceful.

I pray this was encouraging and gives you hope to keep going. Let the light into your valley, and may the Lord's favor be upon you.

Lay Down in Green Pastures

Buy Now