Green Pastures? Where are they? Phillip Keller

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures. 
--Psalm 23:1-2


Under the care of the great Shepherd, the contented sheep lack nothing. David, the Psalmist, knew that.

So he compared himself to a sheep.

In A Shepherd Looks at the Psalm 23, Phillip Keller describes how difficult it is a get a sheep to lie down.

Sheep do not easily lie down, he says.  In fact, "it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met.

"Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free from all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of his kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down...lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger."

To rest, a sheep made be free from fear, tension, aggravation, and hunger.

So the psalm begins with a picture of a sheep who has found its shepherd to be a good shepherd, able to meet its physical needs and provide release from anxiety.

I am the good Shepherd, Jesus said (John 10:11).