Made To Lie Down
He makes me lie down in green pastures… (Psalm 23:2)
Have you ever been made to “lie down?” I mean really lie down.
Have you ever had a situation where it appeared you were led to stop what you were doing and were forced to stay in one place? Not just any place, mind you, but a perfect place where nourishment would flood into your soul? I have!
Years ago (in the middle of a fast-track ministry where hundreds were coming to faith in Christ and joining our church), I broke my leg snow skiing. Everything stopped for me. Surgeries would follow, and physical pain would become my lot for a season. Wearing a full leg cast for months upon months slowed me down. I could no longer preach standing up. Instead, when I did re-enter the pulpit, it would be sitting in a chair with an ottoman to support my cast…for weeks! My daily schedule was rearranged along with my exercise. My life was altered. He made me “lie down!”
It was during this season of recuperation that I began to spend more time with the Lord than ever before. Quiet time meditation and Bible study increased, along with the quality of my prayer time. The depth of my spiritual life began to go deeper and deeper. On the surface, I was broken physically and I still have scars as a reminder.
However, on the inside, something marvelous and more spiritually fulfilling, filled the once hurried void of my life. The “made me lie down” time served to feed me and mature me in my faith. Don’t move too fast today, slow down. Don’t get in such a hurry right now; listen to His still small voice. Enjoy this green pasture; you actually need it right now.
Have you ever been made to “lie down?” I mean really lie down.
Have you ever had a situation where it appeared you were led to stop what you were doing and were forced to stay in one place? Not just any place, mind you, but a perfect place where nourishment would flood into your soul? I have!
Years ago (in the middle of a fast-track ministry where hundreds were coming to faith in Christ and joining our church), I broke my leg snow skiing. Everything stopped for me. Surgeries would follow, and physical pain would become my lot for a season. Wearing a full leg cast for months upon months slowed me down. I could no longer preach standing up. Instead, when I did re-enter the pulpit, it would be sitting in a chair with an ottoman to support my cast…for weeks! My daily schedule was rearranged along with my exercise. My life was altered. He made me “lie down!”
It was during this season of recuperation that I began to spend more time with the Lord than ever before. Quiet time meditation and Bible study increased, along with the quality of my prayer time. The depth of my spiritual life began to go deeper and deeper. On the surface, I was broken physically and I still have scars as a reminder.
However, on the inside, something marvelous and more spiritually fulfilling, filled the once hurried void of my life. The “made me lie down” time served to feed me and mature me in my faith. Don’t move too fast today, slow down. Don’t get in such a hurry right now; listen to His still small voice. Enjoy this green pasture; you actually need it right now.
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5 Comments
Thanks Curt .
The Lord is my Shepherd, is all that matters in times like this.
🙏🙏💪
My very favorite verse in the Bible is in Philippians where it talks about being content in whatsoever state I’m in. Yes there’s been times I’ve been made to lie down and it is a great time to learn. We are way too busy in our lives going here and there and not taking the time we need to recover not only our strength but our spiritual lives.
Yes, I had a time where I had a double whammy and was in a quiet time. It is refreshing to be able to spend more time with my Heavenly Father.
Thank you for a great devotion
Yes I have had multiple occasions over the Recent 3 years, (surgeries) to lie down. I have realized how Very Much I needed to Look to God's Word and Trusting JESUS for Everything. PRAISE THE LORD for his Grace and Mercy.