One detail in Psalm 23 has always struck me. The Good Shepherd’s first action is not to lead, guide, or restore. His first action is to make us lie down in green pastures.

At first glance that seems strange. Lying down does not seem like something that would require much effort. But in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Philip Keller notes that sheep are anxious animals. They are defenseless, easily frightened, and not especially bright. When Jesus calls us His sheep, it may be more honest than flattering.

Sheep will only lie down when four conditions are met.

Fear — Threat from the Outside
Sheep will remain standing if predators are nearby. Even one nervous sheep can spread anxiety throughout the flock.

Hunger — Lack of Provision
A sheep that is hungry will keep grazing and wandering. Until its needs are satisfied, it cannot rest.

Conflict — Rivalry within the Flock
Sheep establish a kind of “butting order.” If tension exists between members of the flock, rest is impossible.

Harassment — Persistent Irritation
Flies and parasites can torment sheep. These small irritations cause them to stomp, shake their heads, and run frantically, creating constant restlessness.

Only when these four pressures are removed will sheep finally lie down.

In many ways the same is true for us. If we want to experience the peace of the Good Shepherd, we must address these same areas in our lives.

Fear
Do we live with anxious thoughts about the future?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests before God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6–7

Hunger
Are we feeding our souls?

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
— John 6:51

Conflict
Is there unresolved tension with someone in our lives?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32

Harassment
Are we allowing constant irritations and pressures to rob us of peace?

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…