| J.R. Miller D.D. | Page 7 |
Far more than we are apt to realize do we need these silent times in our busy life, needing them all the more the busier the life may be. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, and found green pastures and still waters there, and grew into marvellous sweetness of life and spirit. John lived near the heart of the Master; and abiding in that quiet resting-place, he went out with shining face, and became a transfigured disciple. We all need more quiet rest in God’s green pastures. We would be better Christians if we had more such rest as these words suggest.
We may notice the form of the words: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” Sometimes we are unwilling to rest. The world draws on our hearts, and we would go on in its ambitions without resting at God’s feet. Even some Christian people are so busy with their work or with their pleasure, that they do not get time to pray, or even to sit down for a quiet half-hour with the Bible. They do not realize, in thus depriving themselves of the privilege of communion with God, that they are starving their souls, laboring only for the meat that perisheth.
Then sometimes God makes them lie down to rest a while, that they may be renewed in spirit. Loving them too much to encourage their worldly absorption, he compels them to go aside to get the quiet that they so much need. It may be in a sick-room. It is not pleasant, not agreeable, and sometimes they chafe and repine. But they would better accept the Shepherd’s guidance, even when it leads them into the darkened chamber of pain, for there they will find green pastures. We always may be sure of this. Whenever the Good Shepherd makes us lie down, there is blessing for us; and if we submit and trust, we shall be enriched in our spiritual life, and prepared for better service afterward.
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