The Spa of God

Psalm 23:2 – “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

On a physical level, after a hard day’s work, a day when the body is so exhausted and tired, when the feet hurt from so much walking, every muscle in the body aches, the wanting to rest, of being still, of laying down, is absolutely necessary and refreshing. If we don’t rest, our body suffers, and so do our emotions.

God, our good shepherd wants us to lie down, wants us to rest, he makes us to lie down. And we, the sheep of his pasture, can only rest and lie down because we know we are safe, under his care and protection.  And God wants us to lie down in green pastures, verdant and soft. An interesting fact is that today, for relaxation and stress relief, soft shades of green are used in certain ambiances.  How awesome when our God inspired the Psalmist to say ‘green’ pastures!  Green pastures also mean lush meadows with abundant food for us, His sheep.

Then God leads us beside the still – peaceful – quiet – fresh waters.  Waters of refreshment, where we will quench our thirst, waters where we will not be afraid to be near, waters where we can easily drink from and be satisfied and nourished.  Waters that represent the love of God.  God leads us because we can hear his voice. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) We must listen and obey our caring shepherd.

When we are led by God, we are with Him, His presence is all around us.  He will always provide: everything we will ever need or want, His compassion and mercy, tranquility and peace, joy and rest, nourishment and refreshment, provision and protection.  And we will bask in His promise that His goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives.  Amen!