THE SHEPHERD’S LULLABY

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, says Psalm 23:1, NIV.

I have mixed feelings about the task of putting a baby to sleep. On the one hand, it tests my skills and patience, while on the other hand, it gives me unspeakable joy. In both instances, I rely on the power of singing lullabies, which I found very helpful. Every person can sing a lullaby without fear of being judged for wrong tunes. As a grandfather of two lovely little girls, Eliana and Aleiah, singing lullabies to my granddaughters has been the highlight of my stay with them this summer, and I share this joy with my wife, Clarita. Truth is: singing a lullaby not only helps put the baby to sleep but also enhances my singing ability at the same time. It’s a win altogether!

Kidding aside, with all the craziness going on in the world, both near and far, with natural disasters, wars, hunger, violence, crimes, inflation, and other similar challenges, many people find it hard to sleep and sleep well. We hear and see these problems all day long, and when it is bedtime, it is hard to get them out of our heads and consciousness, which explains why we are having trouble sleeping. Many people think of these things unconsciously, thinking about the trials and troubles through their dreams, so they are exhausted when they wake up. Sleeping disorders are common illnesses nowadays among adults. Don’t you agree that perhaps adults also need a lullaby? What kind of lullaby?

Our Scriptures in Psalms are lullabies that remind us how God cares about us. It is comforting knowledge that “God makes me [us] lie down.” Here, God acknowledges the blessing of rest— a time to relax our body, mind, and soul. Remember, God took a day of rest – sabbath – following his busy week of work as an example for us to follow. Do you take a sabbath regularly as part of your spiritual practices? Have you set aside time during the day to listen to your body and give it time to breathe?

God has set a “green pasture” for his sheep so that they can rest, relax, and be restored. Do you find the “green pasture” God has set for you? Are there things blocking your way to a place of rest and restoration? How do you go over them? We read, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (I Peter 5:10, NIN). Start singing the shepherd’s lullaby. It will put you to sleep – a time and space to be fully aware of God’s presence.

Prayer Song:

“The Lord’s my Shepherd”

The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E’en for His own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling-place shall be. Amen!