When God Makes Us Lie Down
When God Makes Us Lie Down
He makes me lie down. (Psalm 23:2a ESV)
My husband gently lifted me from the sanctuary floor, carried me to the church library, and laid me down on the freshly carpeted area. Having a seizure during a church service, especially while my husband was preaching, is not one of my fondest memories. I also didn't enjoy being forced to lie down. However, like stubborn sheep, God sometimes needs to use His rod and staff to guide us into a place of rest.
Psalm 23, verse 2 tells us, “He makes me lie down.” The phrasing here indicates causation. According to Merriam-Webster, "causative" means that the subject causes an action to occur or a condition to develop. Much like a parent insisting that a defiant two-year-old take a nap, the Good Shepherd lovingly creates circumstances encouraging us to lie down and rest.
My loving husband paused his sermon to care for my needs and ensure my safety. How much more does our heavenly Father see our distress and lead us to a safe, cozy, private space where we can rest and refresh in His tender care?
A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23
In his book, A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller notes that due to their unique nature, it is almost impossible to make sheep lie down unless four conditions are met.
He identifies these conditions as:
- Freedom from fear
- Freedom from friction with other sheep
- Freedom from affliction from parasites
- Freedom from hunger
Dear friend, this is also true for us. We find it challenging to rest when we do not feel secure or when there is conflict with those around us. Similarly, we cannot find peace when tormented by the evil one or when we are physically hungry.
God used that humbling seizure to guide me toward healing and rest, and He can do the same for you.
We achieve freedom from fear by seeking refuge in the Good Shepherd’s presence. The friction we feel with others dissipates when we release our offenses to God through forgiveness. We find respite from the evil one’s irritations by resisting him in Jesus’ name. We discover freedom from hunger by thirsting for righteousness and allowing His word to nourish our souls.
Let's Pray
Dear heavenly Father, please forgive me for choosing anxious striving rather than peace in Your presence. Please help me stop living as if things depend on me and learn to rest in Your sovereign purposes. I thank You that though discipline is not pleasant now, it accomplishes the ‘peaceful fruit of righteousness.’ Thank You for making me lie down so I can know quietness and trust in Your care. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I would love to hear from you!
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where God had to make you lie down because you were unwilling to do so? Please tell me about it in your reply.
