The phrase “he makes me lie down in green pastures” comes from Psalm 23:2, which reads in full: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” This beloved psalm describes God as a shepherd caring for his sheep. The metaphor of God as a shepherd and believers as sheep is found throughout Scripture (e.g. John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25). Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this particular verse.
1. The Lord provides rest
To “lie down” conveys the idea of resting, being still, ceasing work. Sheep naturally lie down when they are content, safe, and have eaten their fill of grass. By saying “he makes me lie down,” the psalmist is indicating that it is the Lord who enables him to experience this kind of rest and peace. God brings renewal when we spend time in his presence. When our souls are turbulent, he says “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). As Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The Lord gives us respite from the pressures of life.
2. The Lord provides abundance
“Green pastures” speaks of provision. Sheep require good, lush grazing lands to thrive. The Lord supplies all we need, spiritually and physically. David knew firsthand that “the Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1). Jesus assured us that if God clothes the grass of the field, “will he not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:30). The good shepherd promises to meet all his sheep’s needs according to his glorious riches (Philippians 4:19). We can rest securely in green pastures knowing the abundance of his grace.
3. The Lord provides peace
A green pasture evokes images of serenity, beauty, and comfort. When the psalmist speaks of lying down in “green” pastures, it suggests that the Lord brings internal peace to our souls as well. The green pasture is a place of tranquility for the sheep amidst the pressures of life. Similarly, God promises peace to believers amidst tribulation (John 14:27). The life lived in God’s presence is characterized by “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). He gives this supernatural peace as we trust in him.
4. The Lord provides spiritual nourishment
Not only is a pasture a place of provision and peace, but also nourishment for sheep. Lush grass provides sustenance, nutrition, and growth. The green pastures metaphor reminds us that God desires to nurture our souls. Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me” (John 4:34). Feasting on Scripture, sitting under biblical teaching, and participating in the Lord’s Supper all provide spiritual nourishment. The Word of God is the green pasture that feeds our inner life (Hebrews 5:12-14). The Lord faithfully nourishes those who feed on him.
5. The Lord leads us to rest
Note that the verse says “he makes me lie down in green pastures.” Sheep will not lie down and rest on their own, but must be led to do so by their shepherd. Left to themselves, sheep will overgraze an area. Only when gently guided by the shepherd will they stop roaming and properly rest. This illustrates a key truth about how God provides rest. He lovingly leads us beside still waters and makes us lie down. We learn to cease striving and wrestling in our own strength, instead embracing the rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-11).
6. This rest requires trust
For sheep to lie down in green pastures requires that they fully trust their shepherd. They give up control, cease their own efforts, and rely completely on this loving overseer. So too we only experience God’s rest when we fully trust in his goodness and sovereignty. As author A.W. Tozer said, “Come and relax, stop trying to work it up, stop now your examining and striving, take it easy, let it be easy as it can be. That’s his will for you.” Rest requires submission, surrender, and faith in the shepherd.
7. God invites us to rest in him
This psalm is more than a lovely metaphor. It’s a divine invitation. Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His desire is to lead us into deep spiritual revitalization as we abide in his presence and Word. But we must respond to this invitation with childlike faith, trusting completely in his care. As Augustine of Hippo prayed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Will you accept his invitation?
8. This rest is part of abundant life
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). This abundant life includes physical, emotional, and spiritual rest as we trust in him. The green pastures represent nourishment, renewal, and stillness for our souls. Life lived in close communion with Christ allows us to flourish and thrive holistically. As Psalm 16:11 says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Our good shepherd wants nothing less than for us to experience life to the full in him.
9. This rest will be perfected in eternity
Our best spiritual rest in this life is only a foretaste of the perfect rest to come. When Jesus returns, all striving will cease forever and “the Lamb will lie down with the lion” (Isaiah 11:6-7). The new heavens and new earth will bring unhindered rest and peace. “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). The green pastures of this psalm point to the eternal paradise when God will wipe away every tear.
In summary, “he makes me lie down in green pastures” describes the Lord’s provision, peace, and nourishment for the soul that trusts fully in him. God desires to lead us into deep spiritual rest as we walk closely with Christ, feed on his Word, and rely completely on his care. This rest requires faith. But for those who answer his invitation, they can experience life to the full even amidst trials. While imperfect now, it foreshadows the perfect rest to come for the sheep of his pasture.