The Shepherd's Rest
Evening Peace: A Quiet Time of Prayer and Reflection Before Sleep
Tonight’s Verse
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (Psalm 23:1-2)
Reflection
As evening draws its gentle curtain across the sky, these timeless words from David’s shepherd-psalm speak directly to our weary hearts. David, who himself had been a shepherd before becoming king, understood intimately what it meant for sheep to find rest. He knew that sheep would only lie down when they felt completely secure - free from fear, friction with others, flies (irritations), and hunger. Only then could they truly rest.
How beautifully this mirrors our own need for peace and rest in the Lord’s presence. Just as a shepherd ensures his sheep have everything they need before they can rest, our Good Shepherd provides all that we require. The phrase “I shall not want” is not merely about material provision - it’s about the deep soul-satisfaction that comes from knowing we’re cared for by the Creator of the universe.
The image of “green pastures” and “still waters” paints a picture of perfect peace - the kind that our busy, often chaotic world cannot provide. These aren’t places we can find on our own; rather, it’s the Shepherd who “makes” us lie down and who “leads” us there. Sometimes, in his wisdom and love, he must guide us to stop, to rest, to be still.
As Charles Spurgeon beautifully noted: “When the Christian rests in faith upon his Savior, he finds a peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot take away.”
Tonight, as you prepare for rest, imagine yourself being led by the Shepherd to his chosen place of peace. Release the tension of trying to find your own way, of trying to meet your own needs. Let him lead you beside the still waters of his peace.
Prayer
Gracious Shepherd, as this day draws to a close, I thank you for your faithful care. Help me to truly rest in the truth that you provide all I need. Lead me beside your still waters and help me release every anxiety that would keep me from the peace you offer. Guard my heart and mind as I lie down to sleep, trusting in your watchful care. May I know the deep soul-rest that comes from being one of your beloved sheep. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“He leadeth me: O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be,
Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.”
Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862