Good God Almighty,
The God of Rest & Abundance
Psalm 23:1-6

Our Good Shepherd leads, feeds and meets our needs.  Verses 1-6 of Psalm 23 contain a description of what the Good Shepherd provides for His sheep.  He brings us into a place of rest and abundance and gives us green pasture moments.  Notice in verse 2 that He “makes” us lie down in green pastures…and that may be because we are doing too much.  Why is rest important?

1. God gives us rest because it is good for our bodies. Rest is so important that God commanded it.  It is the commandment that contains the most words.  Exodus 20:9-11: “...For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth...but He rested on the seventh day.”
2. Rest teaches us to trust God. We accomplish more in 6 days than in 7 days.  Psalm 127:2: “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He grants sleep to those He loves.”
3. Rest realigns us with the goodness of God. Exodus 31:16-17: ^“The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath… for in six-day the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”

Be intentional about rest, stop, take a break and focus on God’s goodness.