Message summary: Let us rejoice in the green pasture that our loving Lord has abundantly provided for His children

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"He makes me lie down in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2).

Our lawn and the farm fields and pastures in our area are a vibrant green. Most of our trees have leafed out. I enjoy the peaceful view of cows feeding in a lush, green pasture such as the photo I took yesterday afternoon along a rail trail here in rural Lancaster County. This brings to mind today's Scripture passage.

David, of course, was a shepherd prior to his reign as the king of Israel. Without question the most beloved Psalm he authored is the 23rd which is also known as the Shepherd's Psalm. It is in this Psalm that David draws from his background as a shepherd and makes the analogy of the Lord being his Shepherd. Consider through the ages, for approximately 3,000 years, how often this particular Psalm has brought assurance, restoration and comfort to God's people! This message is often recited at the death bed and at funerals or at the graveside.

But today let us focus on just one phrase in the Shepherd's Psalm. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures." Picture, as far as the eye can see, a lush green pasture with dense, vibrant grass; food in abundance that God apportioned to the sheep that they might flourish. The standard interpretation for this "green pasture" is how God provides for His people. In the very beginning God stated, “I have given every green plant for food” (Genesis 1:30).

God has blessed all His redeemed with an abundance of "green pasture." Now surely we live under varying conditions of temporal prosperity and blessing. Some have more, others less; some have life easier, some far more challenging. We so often tend to equate this with the degree of God's blessing and focus on what we lack rather than the many ways in which we are blessed. Indeed some readers are surely in the midst of a severe trial even as you read this today and your surroundings just may be dull rather than vibrant.

But spiritually green pasture continuously abounds for the child of God. The bounteous table He spreads before us indicates that there is never sparse supply of His provisions, for His goodness is not depleted by drought or storm.

Consider these timeless Scripture promises demonstrating God's green pasture:

Today let us rejoice in the green pasture that our loving Lord has abundantly provided for His children!

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You care for me just as the shepherd cares for his lamb. You provide for all my needs. You restore my soul by Your refreshing Word and guide me in making the right choices that bring honor to Your name. When my soul is troubled or overshadowed by the wrenching pain of loss Your peace replaces my fear. Knowing that Your presence is with me at all times helps me to face the future. You have poured Your cup of goodness and mercy into my life. Your supply of goodness and mercy is overflowing, abundant and unending. Just as Your goodness overflows to me and those I care for, may my praise overflow in thanksgiving to You as I declare "How great is my God"! Amen.

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