The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23:1-2 NIV
Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Going to a beautiful green pasture and grazing endlessly with little effort - knowing I have all the grass I need for weeks and being able to just take a nap?
It’s a dream come true – plenty, abundance and ease. But that might not be what the psalmist was saying. In fact – maybe it was something better.
In the Judean wilderness, where shepherds like David kept flocks, the terrain is rocky and dry. When cooler air flows in at night, small areas of condensation form under the rocks – just enough to produce a few drops. These areas of moisture would allow a few tufts of grass to grow in that dry desert climate. That is what shepherds refer to as a green pasture.
The picture that David paints is not one of excess but of a good and capable Shepherd that provides. Flocks would need to be taken from area to area throughout the day as the sheep would eat what was present. For a sheep to lie down meant she was not only safe, but also satisfied, no longer needing to graze.
When I think of having enough I often look past today. My need may be met right now, but do I have enough for tomorrow? His grace is sufficient today; faith says it will still be abundant tomorrow.
With my good Shepherd, I shall not want. He provides the wisdom I need, the strength, comfort and the peace I need. I remind myself not to worry for tomorrow, not based on what I have stored up, but on the assurance of One who meets today’s need. I can rest and be satisfied. And since I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, it’s good to know I can trust the Shepherd to take me to the right pasture once again.
