In a coaching conversation, a young church planter (let’s call him Mark) told me, “My ministry is going to succeed because I’m driven to success.” Almost immediately I visualized someone being pushed from behind by an unseen force that was determining the destination ahead. After I shared this mental picture with him, he responded, “Whatever is driving me is in control. I don’t want to be pushed. I want to be led.” With this new awareness, we were able to unpack what was driving him to succeed and how he could be led instead.
Aristotle once said, “He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader.” This includes self-leadership. Before we can lead others, we need to lead ourselves. And before we can lead ourselves, we must understand how God leads. The Lord never drives. He leads. His example of leadership in Psalms 23 is an excellent model to follow. Let’s consider three important lessons from this passage.
LIE DOWN. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” Psalms 23:2.
The Good Shepherd recognizes when we need to stop and rest. Sometimes He “makes us” lie down, probably because we don’t know how and when to slow down. More than once I’ve seen situations where a person ends up flat on his back—either at home or in the hospital. Often, they say, “God put me here because He knew I needed to slow down.” A self-aware leader will be proactive in knowing how, where, and when to take breaks before extreme conditions force a hard stop.
The same way shepherds lead their flocks to peaceful pastures, we can be intentional about creating time and space to refresh. Regular days off, long weekends, vacations, a change of scenery. Even activities as simple as an enjoyable hobby or time at the gym can be a refreshing change of pace. If the Good Shepherd places priority on providing green pastures, we should follow his example and give ourselves permission to stop work and lie down—without guilt.
HYDRATE – “He leads me beside still waters” Psalm 23:2.
Not far from where I live in Oklahoma is a place called Stillwater. This town earned its name during the 1889 land run when the Oklahoma Territory was officially opened for public settlement. By the end of the first day of the land run, settlers designated it Stillwater Township because of a deep stream that flows through and around the town.
Oklahoma is known for its very hot and dry summers. I would imagine those early pioneers were relieved to discover and settle close to a water supply so they could meet basic physical needs like quenching thirst and growing crops. However, being near still waters offers more than physical hydration.
David, the experienced shepherd, understood the calming effect still waters could have on sheep that tend to be easily frightened and anxious. Still waters have the same effect on humans. Research shows that the mere sights and sounds of the movement of water promote relaxation, support mental and emotional well-being, and help lower heart rate and blood pressure.
In a world marked by worry, confusion, and negativity, leaders must make a conscious effort to stay close to Jesus, the Living Water. His Presence is calming and His Words satisfy thirst.
MIND YOUR SOUL – “He restores my soul” Psalm 23:3
The psalmist lamented in Psalm 42:5, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” From a shepherd’s perspective, sometimes a sheep struggling with too much weight (i.e. a pregnant ewe) can lose its balance, fall over, and end up helplessly on its back. This is called being “cast.” The shepherd steps in and “restores” the cast sheep to its original standing position.
Leadership can throw us off balance if we add extra weight to God’s original instructions. During my ensuing coaching conversations with Mark (the church planter) I encouraged him to revisit the time when the Lord called him to plant a church. As he recounted that experience, he was able to “restore” the original vision. His tendency to drive himself was adding weighty pressure to the simple call of God. He learned that the Lord’s yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Following the Good Shepherd is the surest way to grow in the discipline of self-leadership. As we learn to walk in His ways, we can say with confidence, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . . .”
That doesn’t sound like a driving force to me. What do you think?
- Are you being driven or led?
- Where are your green pastures and still waters? How often do you go there?
- Is your soul cast down? What weight can you release so you can be restored?