The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3

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Today’s verses are some of the most well-known verses in the Bible. Did you know Psalm 23  is all about God’s name Jehovah Rohi (pronounced row-hi)? Jehovah Rohi means The Lord our Shepherd. This name of God is so comforting to me because Jesus is referred to as the Good Shepherd (John 10:14). The line that says “makes me lie down,” hits close to home for me. Recently, I pinched a nerve in my back that left me literally lying on my back. I had a very busy weekend at a church in Tennessee planned – but it didn’t happen. I didn’t even make it to the airport. The very first thing I thought was “Why God?”

The words “leads me beside still waters,” also hit home for me because during that time of lying on my back, all I could do was rest. Does anyone else hate that word?!? What does that even mean, really…? Do nothing? No thanks! But that’s what I did– and it was, dare I say it, relaxing. 

Do you know the reason why shepherds lead their sheep beside still waters instead of water that’s flowing? It’s because sheep are not very sturdy– so if the shepherd led them to  running water, they would spend all their time trying to keep their balance, often missing the opportunity to  drink and be replenished. God knows what we need and how we need it. He also knows that sometimes he has to lead us to what we actually need. That’s a good shepherd. My “why, God?” turned into “thank you, God.” 

Know that God is sovereign and  in control of your whole life. He’s in the big plans and the small ones, so you can rest assured and trust Him. Let Him restore your soul and guide your path.

Next Steps

Look at your calendar this season and set aside time to rest and be with Him. This may seem like a tall order during Christmas, but it will be worth it.