We all know that the Bible contains difficult passages to digest. We have encountered verses that make us pause and reflect on everything from the authenticity of Scripture to the character of God. This is a feature, not a flaw; God wants us to wrestle with these emotions and thoughts, and we grow stronger in that struggle. Remember Jacob’s wrestling match in Genesis 32? Jacob gains a new name and a blessing, but he also ends up with a dislocated hip. It is okay to struggle through these challenges, but as Israel learns, God is ultimately in control. Isaiah 45:9 cautions us about this: “Woe to him who strives with his Maker.”
This past week, Theo came across a verse that led him into this struggle. It is a well-known passage that most people accept without fault, but for a seven-year-old, it was a tough pill to swallow. Theo was asked to read one of the most beloved psalms, Psalm 23. However, he found Psalm 23:2 difficult to understand: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” For a young boy, the thought of being forced to lie down felt oppressive and harsh. He wondered, “Why would God force me to lie down? Shouldn’t He let me roam free?”
I explained that this passage describes how God has led us to a “sheep buffet,” providing us with all we can eat so that when we lie down, we find nourishment and abundance. I told him that God sees the big picture; He knows the best way for us to live, and He improves our lives by guiding us there. Yet, Theo wished the words had a gentler tone; he preferred a less firm interpretation.
This serves as a good reminder for us: we might think a passage sounds severe, but we should remember that God knows what is best. He has shown us what is good and beneficial, and we should find rest in that assurance. God sees the big picture and understands the consequences if we were left to our own plans. Faith is about trusting that God’s way is best, and that He has our best interests at heart.
Most people read Psalm 23 and find comfort in a Good Shepherd who leads us to abundant pastures and still waters. However, I learned that some may view this as oppressive. We should take these opportunities to demonstrate the wisdom and character of God. He desires what is best for us; by trusting Him, we will, as the psalmist concludes, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
The next time you encounter a challenging passage, remember that God is providing insights for our good. As our Maker, He knows exactly what we need and what is most beneficial for us. Furthermore, He sees far beyond our immediate perspective, caring not just about a moment in time but about the overall big picture of forever.
Psalm 23:1-6 – A Psalm of David.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”