He makes me lie down

October 24, 2007

By Paul Veliquette

“Warp speed, Mr. Sulu.”

There is a sudden surge of power through the Enterprise and all aboard are thrust into the canopy of space. Stars blur like a time-exposure photograph as the vessel explodes into deep space.

Fast food, fast cars, 15-minute workouts, and a variety of other “time saving” devices and behaviors are meant to help us do more in less time. No one has yet found a way to create a 25th hour. It is a useless and overwhelming attempt to live at such speed that we burn up like a piece of space junk on re-entry. What is the frenzy all about? Why are we driven to such a dizzy pace? Is there a better way?

Yes! Consider these words David penned from his shepherding experience: “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2, NIV). Rest and nourishment are key to both our physical health and our healthy relationship with God. The shepherd makes the sheep lie down. Have you ever had a time in your life where the Good Shepherd had to make you lie down? Perhaps it was a health issue, or work layoffs, even a mental breakdown.

I know my Good Shepherd cares about me. Sometimes He just says, “Paul just lie down and be quiet! Quit your frenzied pace! Stop chasing the world’s dream of more in less time. You need your rest.”

Here are some questions to answer.

1. When was the last time you took a real vacation where you relaxed and let the spring unwind?
2. Do you have a quiet time each day without conversations, TV, radio, iPod, reading, or any other distraction? Can you focus in those moments on just you and God and quietness?
3. Does quietness make you nervous?
4. Do you honor the Sabbath (a day of rest with no agenda but God)?

It may sound a little strange, but you and I honor God when we rest. Rest is God’s way to restore your very soul. Maybe tonight it would be a good time to go outside after dark under the great canvas of God’s artwork and look up!

Those are the same stars and the same moon that moved David to pen, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3).

Paul Veliquette is pastor of Windsor (Colo.) Assembly of God.