Psalm 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. The image, so clear and beautiful in itself, is singularly forcible and suggestive in relation to our inner life. Is not the background of the picture true to the facts which we everywhere witness around us, and the needs and aspirations we have felt within us? How much there is in life to remind us of the long tracts of desert sand, the fierce and scorching rays of the sun, the lassitude and ennui of worn-out and wearied hearts. Without attempting to push the details of the imagery to excess, we may assert that the green pastures and still waters find their counterpart in the truths and doctrines of Scripture, in the ordinances of the Gospel, and the means of grace established for our sustenance and growth. For permanent comfort and strength we are dependent upon the revelations of the Divine Word. God Himself is the source of our satisfaction and peace. When our hearts, "ceasing from self," can stay themselves upon Him, and find in their obedience to His will the great purpose, and in their consciousness of His approval the great reward, of their life; when, moreover, we can look forward to complete assimilation to, and eternal fellowship with, Him in heaven, — it is only then that we can realise the expressive image of the text, and "lie down in green pastures, and beside the still waters." To these resting places God leads us, even on earth. (James Stuart.) Parallel Verses KJV: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.WEB: He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. |
    |