It's Peaceful Here

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.”
Psalm 23:2-3

I have a friend, well a virtual friend who lives on the beautiful Australian island of Tasmania. This friend posts incredible photographs of where she lives, many of which remind me of California. One of the photographs she posted was of a tree lined, dirt country road – that much of the image alone sets my mind at ease, but that isn’t the whole picture. In the middle of the road is a lone chook (chicken for my American friends) and at the end of the road a little white country church with a green roof. That is my kind of place, a place that brings peace to my mind and soul.

This week’s passage paints a similar peaceful picture for me – what about you?

I like that God uses the language of farming and nature to teach us about who he is and what He stands ready to do for us and with us if we believe and trust in Him. It is a language we can understand. David was just a young shepherd, the youngest son when he appears in the Biblical narrative. God would make David a hero and King, but the journey to becoming king would not be an easy one. Through it all David’s God led him to places of peace, gave him courage when he needed it and at times when David failed miserably, God showed him incredible mercy, grace and forgiveness – now that’s peace.

Jesus refers to himself as “The good shepherd” (John 10:11, 14), which means He’s the one who makes us lie down in green pastures. He’s the one who leads us beside quiet water. He’s the one who restores our souls. No matter what we are facing he will lead us to places of peace, He will give us courage when we need it and when we fail miserably…well we’ll find more peace as we receive His mercy, grace and forgiveness.

What makes you say – it’s peaceful here? Is it a tree lined country road? Is it the shore with the roar of the sea? Is it the mountains? Maybe it’s a sunset from your front porch or back patio. I hope that is being in His presence wherever you are.

A Prayer
Father, thank you for the incredible peace that you have for us. Thank you for leading us to places where we can rest and be restored. Thank you for giving us the courage we need to face the storms and battles of this life. Thank you for Your mercy, grace and forgiveness which also brings us peace. Help us to share Your peace with those around us. In name of Jesus, our Good Shepherd - Amen