Find Joy in the green pastures

Psalm 23:2, “He settles me down in green pastures”.

God is not worried that He is going to run out of something. He is rich beyond all understanding. He is overflowing with everything that is good and everything that we need. This is the starting point to enter into the life of Psalm 23.  God is good and delights in you and me. He will lead us better than any other can or will. 

Our good Shepherd is unlimited in love, unlimited in resources and He generously provides for our every need.    
The secret to a life without lack is rooted in our knowledge of God. What are your thoughts about God? “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us,” A W Tozer said. Do you know, really know, that God is good?  Do you know, really know, that God is overflowing with everything you need?  Do you know that He is for you, not against you? Do you know that God delights in you?  Do you know that He is generous toward you?

The Shepherd delights in His flock.  He makes it possible for you and me to rest, relax, to be content, quiet and flourishing.  He cares for us and brings us to places to feed and be nourished.  Our lives will be alive and full of power when we feast on the lush meadows of His choosing.  What are you feasting on?  Does it satisfy? 

Green pastures invoke the imagery of the rich beauty of nature. Satisfaction, abundance, fullness. The green pasture is a place of care, a place of supply, a place of security.  It is a good place, an anointed place of provision, where you can feast on the goodness of God and find joy. 

The Shepherd invites you to move into green pastures, to find peace and plenty, no matter your circumstance.  Stay near to the Shepherd who gives great care. Turn your mind to God. This is a discipline and a posture of the mind and heart. It takes training and will not happen overnight. God on this journey with me, walking through Psalm 23.  Meditate on it. Pray it. Memorize it. Declare it. Confess it. Talk about it.

How do we respond?
1.Follow the Good Shepherd by saying yes to His invitation.  Yield your whole heart & life to His leadership.  He knows how to lead, and He knows where to lead.

2.Meditate on the Word of God. This is the way your soul is fed and nourished by the Shepherd.  You will not notice the green pastures if you are not renewing your mind with the Word.  The thief (enemy) robs your joy and peace when the Word is not planted within you.

3.Pray.This is the way to grow in intimacy with God.  I love to connect with the Father when I am outside on my deck, running, biking, etc.  There is something beautiful to me about being in creation and talking with the Creator. Find a secret place among “green pastures” to enjoy His Presence.

4.Recognize what the Father is cultivating in your life.  Talk with Him. Ask Him questions. Keep your heart engaged with Him.

5.Find joy in the green pastures.  Can you see that the “grass is greener” where you are (not somewhere else) because the Good Shepherd is with you and is leading you? 

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