Wednesday, November 12, 2008


"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters," ~ Psalm 23:2 (NIV)

When my grandson, Nolan, gets loud, I know he's getting tired. He runs all over the house, letting his 14 month old voice resonate in the loudest possible way he can. He goes almost at fever pitch, fighting sleep until I make a grab for him, settle down in the rocker, and off to sleep he goes.

I see God doing this in my own life sometimes. When life gets hectic and things get crazy busy, I feel His encouragement to just lie down. And not just in any warm and cozy bed. In His abode. Spending time with Him in prayer and reading His Word. During those times of rest, I feel Him gathering me in His arms and lying me down in green pastures and leading me beside quiet waters.

The Hebrew word for lead is nahal. It means:

1) to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh
a) (Piel)
1) to lead to a watering-place or station and cause to rest there
2) to lead or bring to a station or goal
3) to lead, guide
4) to give rest to
5) to refresh (with food)
b) (Hithpael)
1) to lead on
2) to journey by stations or stages

The Hebrew word for pastures is na'ah. It means:

1) pasture, abode, abode of shepherd, habitation, meadow
a) pasture, meadow
b) abode

The Hebrew word for still is mĕnuwchah. It means:

1) resting place, rest
a) resting place
b) rest, quietness

I find myself in awe of a God, a Shepherd, who cares enough to lead me to the green pastures and beside the still waters. Out of the billions on earth, He is mindful of me and the direction He needs to lead me in. And He loves you just as much!

Has your life been crazy busy lately? Whether your green pastures and still waters are a weekend away from home or a cozy comfy recliner with several good books and your Bible, trust Him and let Him lead you there. It's better to be led there than jerked up and put there. Resisting makes the rest harder to enjoy. Oh, how precious that sweet rest is when we let ourselves be led by God to the place He has for us.

To view the first post in my WFW series on the 23rd Psalm, click here.

For more Word Filled Wednesday Scripture and pictures, be sure to visit our hostess, Amydeanne, by clicking on the button below.




38 comments:

Addicted to Beadz said...

Laurie Ann,

Great job. The 23rd Psalm, I just love.

Thanks for sharing!

I keep forgetting to ask, did you tell Wilson the other night when he was squeaking the toys, that you should never have accepted them. I can visualize this scenario, probably be it has occurred here as well.

Thanks for sharing that story also.

Cheryl

Denise said...

I love this.

He & Me + 3 said...

Truly a beautiful picture, and I love that verse. Your words were also very enlightening...something to think about today.

LauraLee Shaw said...

Gorgeous picture, and a verse my soul needs often. You bless me!

God Chaser said...

Beautifully said and thanks for giving the meanings. To be envouraged to let Him lead us to rest- to green pastures and still waters. I need that today-this wekend I hope to head in just that direction. I hear Him calling. Be blessed

Anonymous said...

Great post!

This is another favorites!

Have a blessed Wednesday...

Unknown said...

Beautifully said Laurie Ann!

Oh it is so much better to come and allow His rest to fill you and be your guide through all areas of our lives.

Blessings today! Thanks for this post!
Jill

Deanna said...

I love the fact that he leads us beside still water. It is so calming.

Esthermay Bentley-Goossen said...

I find myself in awe over the complexity and altogether perfect application of GOD's WORD. All those precise definitions for one little word! AMAZING! Just proves to me what a completely inadequate language American English really is! WOW!

...Great photo. The single sheep by that tree just touches something in me. It's almost is if that's the mama who is escaping the chaos of family for just a moment....
:-)
Happy thoughts.....

Anonymous said...

Good morning Laurie Ann,
What a wonderful shepherd we have. I love the photo you chose to illustrate this comforting verse. Blessings...

Melanie said...

I love the analogy you give in this post between settling your grandson down to sleep and how God settles us down sometimes. I know that's what He has to do with me sometimes and I'm so very thankful that He does so.

I always love any scripture from Psalms 23. So glad you shared this one today!

Mokihana said...

Just beautiful! I love how you included the sheep in the photo. It would've been good without the sheep, but having the sheep in their brings the verse so much closer. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Laurie,
Just looking at that picture makes me long for a park close by to go and visit and read a book on a blanket...though given the fact I would have my dachshunds with me, more likely it would be an image of a mom with kids being dragged through the park by a thundering herd of dachshunds. LOL

Anonymous said...

Laurie Ann, that's just great. I've been getting hit on the head a lot lately with "be still" and "wait" and this is just awesome. I think maybe I'm starting to get the message!

PS I'm like Nolan but throw in a dose of crabby...

Jen said...

Thank you for this. I really needed this today.

Katie said...

So beautiful!

Blessings

Joan said...

The photo fits the verse so well. So peaceful and green. Thanks for sharing this.
Blessings

Chelle said...

Fabulous post!

Tracy said...

Amen to that! It reminds me of that beautiful song a few years back by Jaci Velasquez called "I Will Rest in You." There is no sweeter place to be. Great reminder today. Thank you for sharing!

Blessings,
Tracy

Carrie said...

Lovely post on a wonderful Psalm.

Susan said...

How, how I need this peace!! What a beautiful picture, and such comforting words.

Blessings to you Laurie Ann♥

lori said...

This verse brings such peace to me...I read it at my grandpa's funeral and then spoke about him...what a guy..It's such peace in knowing that we are never alone...He'll lead us every step of the way...

peace Laurie Ann...
lori

Marybeth Whalen said...

Hey Laurie Ann! You always make me feel so good with your sweet comments-- I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for encouraging me the way you do. I have enjoyed visiting your blog today!

Tammy said...

Oh I love Psalm 23 - I guess most people...it can so encouraging, comforting and something to cling to in the good times and the bad. A beautiful picture to accompany the verse.
Tammy @ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mominmi

Jenifer said...

Laurie Ann, I love this picture! I am studying through Psalm 23 right now on Psalm Friday. It is such a beautiful Psalm. Thanks for sharing this and visiting By His Grace.

Blessings.

Sunny Shell said...

WOW sister Laurie Ann,

This Scripture-picture is so wonderful! I especially like how you have the image of the Cross resonate throughout the picture!

And thank you also for your beautiful heart that has shared God's glorious truth with us....how amazing that our God is God and does not need us, but He desires to love us! I'm so humbled!

Love you sweet sister,
Sunny

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and one of my all time favorite verses!

Alicia The Snowflake said...

As someone always on the go, I am glad He makes me rest sometime. Such a great Father we have. Thank you for the reminder today, my Friend. I have been feeling a little stressed. I need to take some time to rest in Him.

Happy WFW!

bp said...

I liked the personal example you gave, I can relate to that!

Peggy said...

Blessings Laurie Ann...May Our Lord lead you (& your grandson) to quiet waters so you may lie down & rest!

I just want to know how you got that little lamb to lay down by the tree gazing so sweetly on this perfect still water?

I love Psalm 23 and went back to enjoy last week's again too since you said click here (so I did). So I almost forgot to leave you a comment here. I guess this means that each week, you will be teaching me verse by verse this beautiful Psalm with Pictures and everything! WOW! Ready to sit at His feet & learn from you!

And the truth...I need HIS REST...
right now...I'm not resisting just finding it difficult to allow myself...

Thanks for your sweet visit. I'm so sorry that people have made snide remarks but you can be glad that you are known for loving Christ & religious stuff. I pray your heart can mend & overlook them.

Anonymous said...

Peaceful verse and photo. Great reminder to be still and quiet before the Lord.

Jennifer said...

That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing that with us because I needed to hear that if no one else did.

Thank you again!

Alex said...

Such a beautiful, restful photo! Just what I need in partnership with my anxiety post :) Blessings to you today!

Kristi said...

Wonderfully said. I'm ready for some green pastures myself and some much needed rest. Thank you for this blessing today.

Blessed Among Women said...

You know when I get hectic sitting down and just being quiet really does help. It helps Daniel too. Thanks!!

You have a blog award at my blog waiting for you!

Amydeanne said...

thank you! for doing this verse. i needed!

DeeDee said...

Beautiful picture and love the verse.

He leads us beside still waters. Sweet Rest.

Happy WFW!

Blessings,
DeeDee

Unknown said...

Beautiful!