Psalm 23:2 Part 2
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 23:2 (ESV)
Recently when I started to explore the subject of safety, up from the mists came a little melody that was hidden in my heart in childhood. It goes like this:
*Safe am I (safe am I); Safe am I (safe am I)
In the hollow of His hand; Sheltered o’er (sheltered o’er)
With His love forevermore
No ill can harm me; no foe alarm me
For He keeps both day and night
Safe Am I (safe am I); Safe am I (safe am I)
In the hollow of His hand
In this unsafe world of locked doors, setting alarms and using complex passwords, what is safety? Day to day, this question lurks below the surface of our lives causing us much subliminal anxiety.
In reality safety has two parts: protection from harm and removal of hazards. Both of these aspects come into play in Psalm 23:2. Sheep have no natural defenses, except huddling, and therefore are extremely vulnerable. They also instinctively will not drink from a running stream for fear of falling in and drowning because of their weighty wool coats. This means they will stubbornly not lie down unless they are assured no harm will come to them from without or within.
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows each of His sheep. He guides them to places of safety in green pastures and by still waters where they can relax in peace—free from all fear. He is watchful and attentive—standing guard!
Even though life is a struggle, the plumb line of Scripture is secure and steady. 1 John 4:18 says, There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear… Our Good Shepherd offers us perfect love which leaves no room for fear.
Will I trust my Good Shepherd? No matter how the situation looks, I have a choice to make. Will I focus on the real truth of the plum line of Scripture, or give into fear? O Lord, help me grasp that Safe Am I in the hollow of Your hand.
*Words and music: Mildred Leightner Dillon