PSALM 23:2 - BALANCE

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters."  NASB

In this Sermon Series on Psalm 23, I wanted to look at this particular text and see the words we may overlook and what they mean to the text.  In verse 2, the word "Make" is something that jumps out to me.  For those in his flock, those who have believed and trusted in Him, the Good Shepherd "makes" us lie down.

1.  Sheep will not lie down because of FEAR
This is a trust issue.  Sheep aren't sure about their surroundings.  They are sure about where they are going and where they have been.  With the Good Shepherd, Jesus, He makes us lie down.  There has to be an absolute trust between sheep and shepherd to make this happen.  Because of fear, we are afraid to give the shepherd absolute control of our lives, our safety and our well being.  We want control!  It's in our nature.  If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we submit our all to Him.  

2.  He Leads Me -  Sheep will not drink from turbulent waters.  A dog will!  Sheep have to be led to still calm waters to drink from.  It seems that as we live turbulent waters are all around us.  It's the calm peaceful water we need in our life.  It's that particular spot at that certain stream where the shepherd leads us to.  What are we waiting on?  We are stubborn and we are prideful to know where we want to go.  If he makes us lie down, then we trust Him to lead us to the waters we should drink from.

1903 Hymn from George A. Young is appropriate to apply to this passage of Scripture:
    

1. In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
   God leads His dear children along.
   • Refrain:
     Some through the waters, some through the flood,
     Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
     Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
     In the night season and all the day long.
2. Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
   God leads His dear children along.
3. Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
   God leads His dear children along.
4. Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
   God leads His dear children along.

Be blessed my friends and trust in the Good Shepherd to leads us where we need to go.
He will give us a song..........Sleepy Disciple