The nature of sheep…

When they are restless, irritable, discontented (quote from Big Book), they mill around, bumping into each other and create more upset. Dangerous for sheep. The shepherd walks slowly among them, speaking softly so they hear his voice. 

Then He makes them lie down in their green pastures. 

Pastures are not meadows, but are spaces created by the shepherd for feedings. They are fenced, carefully maintained, and managed for the animal’s benefit.

Sheep are frightened by water that makes noise, such as the movement over rocks, moving in whirlpools, and with floating debris. 

They need calm, still water to drink from. 

Then He leads them to the still waters.

Feeding in the green pastures and drinking the water of life, is what the shepherd does to restore the sheep to equilibrium.

And so it is with us. When we need soul restoration because we are restless, irritable, discontented, and anxious, our Good Shepherd knows how to make us stop, rest, feed and drink from His provisions. 

Thank you Lord, our Good Shepherd.