Green Pastures and Still Waters
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
What if we found a moment in our days to be led by God to our “green pastures and still waters”?
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Psalm 23:2
Laundry and dishes and diaper changes, oh my. Momming comes with a chaotic and never ending to-do list, and it can majorly steal our peace if we let it. But I don’t need to tell you that, every mom already knows.
When I read Psalm 23, it makes me imagine God taking His sheep (us) by the hand and guiding us to the most beautiful place, a field of green grass near a still lake. In my mind, there are mountains in the background, and maybe we’re actually sitting in a cabin because, personally, I’m not super outdoorsy. Either way, that place fills us with peace because we know God is the perfect shepherd, providing everything we need, including a break from the chaos. He tells us to lie down beside the water, with no need to worry, to complete tasks, or to be “the mom”. Just be.
But what if God led us to that place, and we said “Well, hold on, I have to fold these towels first, and then I have to run errands, and then I have to get kids to practice. Actually God, never mind, I don’t have time to lay down beside this beautiful lake.” It sounds so silly when I say it like that, but to be honest, we do, in a way, say that to God all the time.
He’s so good and gracious to us, and knows what we need, using those figurative (or maybe literal?) green pastures and still waters to provide us with rest and peace. But we have to meet God there. Sometimes we’re so busy with our to-do lists and all the chaos that mom life brings, and we don’t take the time to appreciate the peace that God is laying out in front of us.
What if we found a moment in our days to be led by God to our “green pastures and still waters”? Whether it’s staring out a window while doing dishes, or sitting beside a mountain of laundry, we can allow God to be in those places with us, and ask Him for His presence, peace, and provision.
Action Steps:
Think of a time when you felt God’s presence and His peace. What were you doing? Is there a way you can replicate that feeling in your day to day chaos? For example, I like to sit on my couch and look at trees, because it reminds me of a peaceful trip I took recently. Ask God to meet you where you are and bring you peace.
If you feel God nudging you to rest, don’t tell Him you’re too busy! Prioritize rest. I totally get that things still need to get done, but some things can wait.
Prayer: God, make me lie down in green pastures, lead be beside still waters. Provide peace in my day and open my eyes to see all the ways You provide that peace. When You tell me to rest, I will rest. Help me get through my to-do list with joy and peace instead of chaos and anger. And if it is Your will, I wouldn’t say no to being led to a literal green pasture beside still waters. I love You Lord, Amen
Written by Cathrine, mom of 4, longing for a mountain vacation