Jesus My Shepherd - He Maketh Me to Lie Down

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-15
Message Text: Psalm 23
Message Title: He Maketh Me to Lie Down

Psalm 23 begins with a profound declaration of God’s provision and care: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want”(Psalm 23:1). As our Good Shepherd, He not only leads us but also provides a place of rest and peace: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). This picture of divine care is contrasted in Ezekiel 34, where God condemns the faithless shepherds of Israel, who failed to care for their flocks. God Himself promises to step in, declaring, “I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 34:15).

What, then, keeps us from experiencing the peace of resting in our Shepherd’s care? Let us explore four barriers—fear, friction, frustration, and famine—and see how Scripture addresses each.

1. Fear

Fear disrupts our peace and prevents us from resting in the Shepherd’s provision. David reminds us:
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6).

Fear is often rooted in uncertainty, yet our Shepherd provides the assurance of safety:
“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

In the New Testament, Paul reminds us of the resources God gives to combat fear:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

When fear overwhelms, we are called to courage: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).

2. Friction

Friction arises when conflicts within the flock disrupt peace. Ezekiel 34:20-22 highlights this reality as God confronts the selfish actions of the stronger sheep pushing others aside. He promises to “judge between cattle and cattle” and restore harmony.

Paul echoes this in Galatians:
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Galatians 5:14-15).

God promises peace to those who fix their minds on Him:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).

3. Frustration

Life’s frustrations often weigh us down, robbing us of rest. Paul shares a personal struggle in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where a “thorn in the flesh” became a source of weakness. Yet God’s response, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness,” taught Paul to rely on divine grace.

Peter encourages us to release our burdens:
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Contentment in God’s provision, as Paul testifies, is a key to overcoming frustration:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

4. Famine

A lack of spiritual nourishment can leave us restless and unsatisfied. While God delivered Israel into a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:8), He warns through Amos of a different kind of famine:
“Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11).

True satisfaction comes from feeding on God’s Word:
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jeremiah 15:16).

God provides shepherds to guide His people:
“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).

Conclusion

The invitation to rest is beautifully summarized by Jesus:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”(Matthew 11:28-30).

Let us trust in the Good Shepherd, who promises peace and provision, and leads us to green pastures where we can lie down without fear, friction, frustration, or famine. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).