He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psalms 23:2 KJV

In Israel, the ground is rocky, barren and brown. The Earth is dry and scorched by the Sun. Green pastures don’t just happen. Rocks have to be removed, the soil plowed, seeds planted and irrigated.

Shepherds prepare green pastures for their sheep. This gives the sheep soft grass to rest and green grass to graze.

‘And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. ‘ Philippians 4:19 NIV

God provides for us.

He leadeth me beside the still waters

Also, the Shepherd is leading his sheep to water. God leads us to quench our thirst physically and spiritually.

Still waters flow slowly and are calming. He leads us to a calm, quiet place to rest. Do you know a place like this? There is a stream close to our house. It is shaded by large trees and I like to sit by this stream listening to the birds. It is so peaceful. When I am having a chaotic day, I picture this and it helps me “reset” to deal with whatever the day brings.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV