Things To Do In The Belly Of A Whale: Rest

I’m sure you are familiar with the 23rd Psalm.

The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

The imagery is warm and peaceful.

But there is one part that sounds a bit… I don’t know, harsh?

“HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN”

We taught my dog how to lie down on command. Basically, we would make a pointing motion toward the ground and say in a commanding tone, “LIE DOWN!”

It seemed like she never wanted to stay there. She was always looking for her opportunity to get back up and run.

Rest is an important part of a healthy life.

God doesn’t want us full of activity 7 days a week. He commands rest.

Interestingly, in the 23rd Psalm, being made to lie down comes first…

And after that rest comes:

• Being led to new places
• A refreshed soul
• And being guided in the right direction

I really believe hearing from God comes out of a place of rest (and sometimes forced rest).

Jonah was heading the wrong direction. He was on the run. He was focused, determined…

And God made him lie down—not exactly in a green pasture, but in a green seaweed-lined belly of a whale.

When we find ourselves in that uncomfortable place of forced rest, we should remember: now is a good time to listen.

What is God saying?

What is He doing in me?

What does he require of me?