He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:2 & 3

We lived in the country during part of my childhood. Clearing off the front part of our land took place before the building of our house. From the road you could see the driveway going over a cattle guard and winding up the hill to our home. Trees scattered appropriately for visual effect and shade made for a pretty picture.

Forest woods still took up the back half of our land. Not necessary to be cleared for the building of our house, they stood untouched. As a child, I loved exploring them.

One day while following an old cow trail, I stumbled upon a meadow. The tall trees opened up to make a circle which revealed a small stream and luscious grass. The only sounds one could hear were the birds, scurrying squirrels, and wind blowing gently through the leaves. I loved that meadow and returned many times to experience that relaxing refreshing respite from life.

Psalm 23 brings me back to that meadow. “Lying down in green pastures, leading me beside quiet waters, refreshing my soul,” truly describe my feelings from back then.

How can we get that same feeling of refreshment today even when most of us do not live close to that kind of nature? We let him lead us to his Word and we rest in him.

Maybe he’ll lead us to our favorite chair on our patio to “refresh our soul.” Maybe he’ll lead us through the hustle and bustle with a feeling of confidence he is right by our side. No matter what path he leads us on, we know he guides us on the “right one for his name’s sake.”

To receive his refreshment, let’s follow him there. He wants us to experience it. He wants to provide it for us.

Father God, your refreshment restores our souls. Thank you for giving us this rest.

Susan Partida