"Pasture"

I love a pretty pasture, rolling far as you can see,

The grassland with the cattle, just the way it ought to be.

And I think of all the time I’ve spent, in the far-off yonder,

It makes me want to catch a horse, just saddle up and wander.

I love the smell of fresh-cut hay, and when it’s gathered in,

Marks a season and a way of life, work well-done back when.

This hay, it’s fragrant shining, reflecting summer sun,

And all the men there working, they sweat to get it done.

I see the rows of fenceposts, the corners stout and strong,

Remember chores of childhood, out there where I belong.

And the distant cattle gather, and that big circle ride,

They call it big and empty, but fills you up inside.

I thank the Lord for pasture, where our Good Shepherd leads,

And where I find contentment, and everything I need.

We’ll see eternal pasture, when days on earth are through,

Ride heaven’s fields with Jesus, and all who love Him, too.

“He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength…” (Ps. 23:2-3, NLT)

We all need a renewal of our strength from time to time. The psalmist’s testimony was he found that renewal when the Lord, his shepherd, led him to a quiet place away from his daily stress. That place was a green meadow with peaceful streams. It was where he felt God’s presence and experienced God’s goodness. Maybe you prefer the beach or a mountainside or a picturesque desert. The place itself is not the main point. The emphasis is it is the place where you meet with the Lord and He gives you what you need for life’s journey. The busy-ness of our lives makes it more challenging to make time like this, but also makes it incredibly more important for us to do. Follow the Shepherd to your place of rest. You will be glad you did.

Lord, lead us to the pasture of rest and renew our strength, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, billantonstudios.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.