The Shepherd and His Sheep: Psalm 23:2

We talked in the first lesson about who the Shepherd is.
We talked in the second lesson about what it means to be in want—and how we do not have to want because the Lord is our Shepherd.

Now in this lesson, we come to one of the most reassuring verses in all of Psalm 23:

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

This verse is a picture of beauty, peace, and tranquility—and that is exactly what we experience when we are with the Shepherd.

1. The Control of the Shepherd

Notice the phrase: “He maketh me lie down.”

I’ve read this psalm thousands of times, and often my mind interprets it as though the Shepherd simply provides a place to lie down. But David does not say that. He says:

“He makes me lie down.”

This is not mere suggestion—it is the Shepherd’s insistence. Sometimes He constrains us to rest.

We often give the devil credit for downtime in our lives, saying things like:

“The devil is trying to hold me back.”
“The devil is slowing me down.”

That may be true at times, but ultimately the Shepherd is in charge of the sheep. And sometimes, the sheep are not wise enough to know they need rest.

Think of a child on a school night fighting sleep. A loving parent must step in and say, “It’s time for bed.” In the same way, our Shepherd knows when we need rest from yesterday and when we need strength for tomorrow.

Some of us have even said, “God had to put me on my back so I could look up.” The Shepherd’s control is not harsh—it is wise, loving, and perfectly timed. He knows the way. He knows our weakness. He knows what we need better than we know ourselves.

Yet, so often, we fight the very rest that He provides.

2. The Care of the Shepherd

David paints a picture of pleasant places: green pastures and still waters.

This stands in direct contrast to the rest of the psalm, which mentions:

Want (v.1).
A soul in need of restoring (v.3).
Walking through the valley of the shadow of death (v.4).
Enemies surrounding us (v.5).

Yes, these are all real-life struggles we face. But thank God for the days in between! Thank God for the seasons where the Shepherd allows us to rest in quiet places, where He gives us peace before the storms return.

a. Green Pastures = Supply

Sheep will not rest if they are hungry or unsatisfied. But the Shepherd provides. He leads us into green pastures where we can be fed and filled.

“For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:9)
“Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
“For so he giveth his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)

When the Shepherd supplies, we can finally rest in Him.

b. Still Waters = Safety

Sheep are skittish creatures. They will not drink from a rushing river because:

They do not swim well.
The noise drowns out the voice of the Shepherd.
The danger unsettles them.

So, the Shepherd leads them to still waters—quiet, peaceful, and safe.

Green pastures, lying down, and still waters all connect directly to the restoring of the soul in verse 3. Sometimes, restoration doesn’t come from running or striving but from resting in the presence of the Shepherd.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Conclusion

The Shepherd not only provides for His sheep—He also protects them, leads them, and sometimes even forces them to rest when they would not rest on their own.

He gives supply in the green pastures.
He gives safety at the still waters.
He gives strength through restoration.

The question today is simple:
Are you allowing the Shepherd to make you lie down?
Are you resisting His rest, or are you trusting His wisdom?

David could say with confidence: