When you hear “green pastures” in Psalm 23, what image comes to mind? Most of us in the western world likely picture a lush meadow – a flourishing field with an endless supply of grass. With this preconception, it’s easy to assume Psalm 23, “He makes me lie down in green pastures (v.2),” is merely describing God’s overabundance of blessings and provisions. 

But this is not the case. The Jerusalem hillsides are arid, rocky, and particularly lacking in foliage. The writer of this Psalm was fully aware that in order for sheep to receive their daily sustenance, they were completely dependent upon the shepherd, who would guide them from one tiny sprig of grass to the next. During the dry season, there was no overabundance. In fact, it was often the bare minimum. But the sheep could rest in the knowledge that their loving shepherd would work to ensure they had just enough for each day.

What a beautiful picture of how God shepherds us, especially through the dry seasons of life! Each day, He leads us along the right paths (v.3) to supply our daily needs. We must only surrender and trust that He will guide and provide. Some days or seasons may have more grass than others, but God will always give us what we need FOR EACH DAY.

How does this apply to seasons of despair? You may be facing despair due to health challenges, financial problems, the death of a loved one, loss of a job – anything that causes upheaval and pushes you into unknown territory. When navigating such a season, it’s far too easy to fixate on the worst case scenario. Your mind easily spins out of control as you anxiously mull over what the next week, month, or even year might hold. But God commands us to not be anxious!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

He is Jehovah Jireh, the One who sees ahead and provides. He knows your every need. He knows your every fear. And He knows exactly what you need for each day. In a season of despair, like in the dry season for the sheep, you may receive only what you need for that day. That’s why Jesus modeled for us in the Lord’s prayer, “give us today our DAILY bread” (Matthew 6:11). And that’s why He said, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

What is the cure for anxiety and despair? Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Fix your eyes on the things above, not on your circumstances, not on the myriad possibilities of what your life may look like in the future, not on the source of your despair. Humble yourself every day and lay your requests at His feet. Seek Him first and rest in His presence. Only then will His peace reside in your heart. It’s a DAILY act of surrender! That’s why the Psalmist could say, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me” (v.4). God’s presence is what sustains us even in the darkest valley, even in the face of impending death, financial ruin, or whatever you may be facing today.

Allow yourself to rest in Him, in the assurance that He will restore and provide for you each day, according to your needs. And let all creation marvel at the goodness and faithfulness of our Shepherd and Heavenly Father.

Megan Mascarenhas

Verse 4 of Psalm 23 also references the rod and staff of the shepherd. The rod and staff offer both protection and guidance. They are a source of both discipline and comfort. Under the watchful eye and mighty rod of our Shepherd, we find comfort, peace, and restoration for our souls. He may poke and prod us with His staff to keep us on the straight and narrow. It may hurt in the moment. But He is ultimately refining us to be the people He designed us to be. 

Why? For HIS name’s sake (v.3). God doesn’t provide for us and direct us for our sake, but rather that He might be glorified in view of all creation. Allow yourself to rest in Him, in the assurance that He will restore and provide for you each day, according to your needs. And let all creation marvel at the goodness and faithfulness of our Shepherd and Heavenly Father.

Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

Psalm 42:11