Read Psalm 23

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

We live in a world that rarely stops. Even when we rest physically, our minds continue to race. But Psalm 23 invites us into a different rhythm—a shepherd’s rhythm. The shepherd leads us to places of stillness not just for our bodies, but for our souls. Sheep cannot rest unless they feel safe. In the same way, our souls cannot rest until we trust the One who watches over us.

Notice the verbs: He makes me lie down. Sometimes we resist rest because we’re afraid of what we’ll find in stillness—unprocessed grief, worry, or even guilt. But rest is not avoidance. It is restoration. God does not push us toward busyness to prove our worth. He leads us gently to still waters because He wants to restore us.

Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This is not just about sleep—it’s about soul rest. It’s about finally letting go of the weight we were never meant to carry and being refreshed in His presence. The Holy Spirit is often described as water—a living stream that quenches our thirst and calms our anxious minds. Let Him lead you there.

Reflection Questions:

• What keeps you from truly resting—physically or spiritually?
  
• In what ways has God been inviting you to slow down recently?
  
• What would it look like to follow Him to “still waters” today?
  
• What part of your soul feels tired and in need of restoration?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about an area of your life where God may be calling you to slow down, surrender, or rest more deeply.