A Magnolia's Heart Beats

"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.