The past several weeks we have been thinking about the balance between the passive and the active in our lives.

With that lens in mind I invite you to spend time meditating on Psalm 23.

When I recently came to the Psalm the words “makes me lie down” (and others) struck me in a new way.  I think I had become so use to repeating the Psalm from memory, I was not hearing it any longer.  On that day, with the question of when am I to be passive in my walk with God, the words “makes me lie down” came through very loudly.  It seemed to challenge me to give up control I did not want to give up.

I encourage you to find time to reread some of the words from Underhill, Peterson, and Willard that have been shared here and then to slowly and quietly hear Psalm 23.  Don’t try to force anything from the Psalm.  Let it find you where you are and let it lead.

Psalm 23 (KJV)

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.

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

 He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.