Read Psalm 23:1-3.

Psalm 23 may be one of the most well known portions of Scripture, but on a recent mission trip to Southeast Asia, I discovered a profound new meaning in its words: sometimes God has to make us lie down to give us physical, emotional, and spiritual rest.

When the Good Shepherd Intervenes

I take multi-week trips four to five times a year to train believers in evangelism and church planting in unreached countries. My most recent travel plans included seven cities, four countries, and six training sessions in only 19 days. I had no rest days built into my travel, and I hit a place of deep weariness and exhaustion. I was humbled and realized I had been foolish to be so aggressive.

Resting in Jesus

But Jesus is a good shepherd and forced me to physically, emotionally, and mentally rest despite the schedule I’d prepared for myself. Through this, I’ve learned that Jesus—in His goodness—makes us lie down even when we actively work against rest.

Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. Thank You for renewing us through rest even when we’re resistant. Amen.

-from a missionary to Southeast Asia