Green Pastures and Still Waters

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2

God, as our shepherd, leads His sheep to green pastures beside still waters. “Green pastures” symbolizes God’s provision of spaces for sustenance, rest and spiritual renewal. Green pastures are not naturally occurring in many sheep-rearing regions, which are often dry and semi-arid. They are the result of extensive labor, including clearing land, plowing, planting, and irrigation. For sheep, green pastures are essential for proper nourishment and rest, allowing them to lie down only when free from hunger and fear. Similarly, in a spiritual sense, the same provision is made by God for us as Christians. Green pastures paired with “still waters”, together represent God’s constant and plentiful care, as well as the peace and restoration found in His presence. It is thoroughly sufficient for our needs, we shall never want. The Hebrew is emphatic: “I want nothing”.

The phrase “lead by still waters” refers to a shepherd’s guidance of sheep to calm, peaceful waters for rest and refreshment, where they can safely drink without fear. This imagery symbolizes God’s desire to provide spiritual nourishment, peace, and restoration to believers. The word “leadeth” in the Hebrew not only means to lead, but to refresh, lead with care, and to cause one to be at rest. This is what the Lord does for us. God removes our fears, gives inner peace from outward agitations and fills the longing, hungry soul.

What a beautiful truth that our Lord abundantly provides all our needs and gives us rest and peace even among the turmoils we sometimes face in this life. We, like sheep, often are tempted to fear but God provides the green pastures and quiet waters we need to find rest and peace if we will only have faith in Him.