Finding Rest in the Good Shepherd: What Does Psalm 23:2 Teach Us?

In our fast-paced, chaotic world, finding true rest seems impossible. We run from one commitment to another, constantly checking our phones, and rarely slowing down. Yet Psalm 23 offers a profound truth about rest that goes far deeper than simply getting enough sleep.

Who Is Your Shepherd?

Before we can understand what it means to find rest, we must first answer a fundamental question: Who is your shepherd? This isn’t just a theological question—it’s intensely practical. Your shepherd represents where you place your trust and what you depend on for guidance and provision.

David, writing from a position of power as king, declared “The Lord is my shepherd.” Despite his success, strength, and accomplishments, David recognized that everything he had was because the Lord was his shepherd. The same is true for us today.

Why Do We Need a Shepherd to Provide Rest?

Just as children don’t always know when they need rest, we often resist the very thing our souls desperately need. A parent knows better than a tired child what that child needs, even when the child insists “I’m not tired.”

Similarly, our Shepherd knows us better than we know ourselves. Psalm 139 reminds us that God has searched us and knows us completely—our thoughts, our ways, even our words before we speak them. When our Shepherd says we need rest, we need it, regardless of how we feel about it.

What Does “Green Pastures” Really Mean?

The Shepherd Provides Everything We Need

When David writes “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,” he’s describing more than just a nice location. Green pastures represent complete provision—an “all you can eat” place where everything we need is available.

The word “maketh” is forceful, indicating that God sometimes has to compel us to rest. But notice the location—He doesn’t force us to rest in unhealthy places. The green pastures provide both rest and nourishment.

Four Conditions for True Rest

For sheep to lie down and truly rest, four conditions must be met—and only the shepherd can provide these:

• Freedom from fear – Sheep won’t rest if they sense danger

• Freedom from friction – Social conflict prevents rest

• Freedom from fleas – Irritations and distractions must be removed

• Freedom from hunger – Basic needs must be met

 

When our Shepherd makes us lie down in green pastures, He’s addressing all these areas in our lives. He handles our fears, resolves our conflicts, removes our irritations, and meets our needs.

What About the “Still Waters”?

Finding Peace in Chaos

“He leadeth me beside the still waters” doesn’t mean God removes us from all turbulent situations. Sheep won’t drink from fast-moving, turbulent water. So shepherds would use sticks to create calm pools within the rushing stream.

Our Shepherd doesn’t necessarily change our circumstances—He creates peace within the chaos. He enters into the turbulent waters of our lives and creates spaces of calm where we can be refreshed.

The Problem of Noise in Our Lives

We live in an incredibly noisy world. Studies show the average American unlocks their phone 100-150 times per day. Every notification sends adrenaline through our bodies, making true rest nearly impossible.

Often we complain that God isn’t speaking, but the truth is we’re not listening. We’ve allowed the noise of our world to drown out the Shepherd’s voice calling us to rest.

How Do We Let the Shepherd Lead Us?

Sheep Are Led, Not Driven

The text says “He leadeth me”—sheep are led, not driven. We’re all being led by something. The question is: what’s leading you? Are you being led by social media, career pressures, or endless commitments? Or are you allowing the Good Shepherd to lead you?

The Difference Between Sleep and Rest

Many of us have learned to sleep anywhere—on planes, in cars, on floors. But sleeping and resting are different things. You can sleep without truly resting. True rest comes from the Shepherd addressing the deeper needs of our souls.

Life Application

This week, identify what’s preventing you from experiencing the rest your Shepherd wants to give you. Is it fear about the future? Friction in relationships? The constant irritation of notifications and distractions? Spiritual hunger that you’re trying to fill with everything except God?

Choose one area where you need to let the Shepherd lead you beside still waters. This might mean turning off , setting boundaries with work, or simply spending quiet time allowing God to create peace in your current chaos.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What fears am I holding onto instead of trusting my Shepherd?

• What “noise” in my life is drowning out God’s voice?

• Am I trying to find rest through my own efforts rather than accepting what the Shepherd provides?

• How can I practically allow the Good Shepherd to lead me this week instead of being driven by circumstances?

 

Remember, the Lord is your shepherd—you shall not want. He knows exactly what you need, when you need it, and He provides it perfectly. The question is: will you let Him?