It amazes me to think that possibly the most inspirational book in the entire Bible was written by someone who spent much of his youth running for his life. King Saul wanted nothing more than to eliminate this growing threat to his kingdom (I Samuel 19:1), and yet we turn to David’s writings whenever we feel the need to be uplifted spiritually. Like Peter in the New Testament, David was completely human and thus dealt with many of the same things we do: he made mistakes (Ps. 51:2), he questioned God (Ps. 22:1), and rarely understood the way things played out (Ps. 73:3). Nevertheless, we watch him again and again find reason to praise the Lord despite his circumstances of almost constant turmoil and heartache. To put it quite simply, David provided us with a perfect example of what it means to trust in God unconditionally.

So what did David mean when he said God made him to lie down in green pastures? The answer is simple: he had found a resting place in God – a “strong habitation” to which he could continually resort (Psalm 71:3). He knew that living for the Lord didn’t make your troubles suddenly vanish, but that, even when everything is falling down around you, comfort and peace can still be found in knowing Who your Shepherd is. The very same God which delivered David from the hand of his enemies has promised that very same grace and mercy to all who follow Him today, and, as Paul wrote, “if God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

               -Psalm 46:10

Wherever you are today, let me encourage you to, at least for a moment, forget about all of the things so heavily weighing on your mind and simply rest in the green pastures of our heavenly Father. Forget about those college applications, the dirty laundry lying in the next room, and every unanswered questions of tomorrow. Forget about everything but God and quietly listen for what He might have to say. It’s amazing how much clearer His voice is when we eliminate the background noise.