It Starts Small

² My love has gone down to his garden,
to beds of spice,
to feed in the gardens
and gather lilies.

Songs 6:2

After a period of longing, delay, and suffering, the bride awakens to the revelation of where her Beloved has gone—not far away, not angry or abandoning her—but to His garden. This garden, a vivid symbol of intimacy, fruitfulness, and deep communication, whispers secrets of their connection. The Groom is not hiding from her; He is lovingly cultivating the ground of their love. This powerful recognition ignites a transformative shift within her. No longer consumed by panic, she possesses discernment. She understands that her Beloved has not forsaken her—He has been preparing a sacred place of restoration. Now, she can meet Him there, not in frantic pursuit, but in a serene and passionate reunion.

² He lets me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside quiet waters.

Psalm 23:2

Psalms 23 reverberates with a profound rhythm of love: God guides us beside tranquil waters and rejuvenates our spirit. The garden transcends mere delight—it’s a sanctuary for restoration. What was once shaken is being firmly rooted again. What was wounded is now on the path to healing. Theologically, this embodies the clarity of love that emerges after suffering. Maturity is learning to encounter God in the secret place, even when our emotions don’t immediately align. We embark on a journey of faith, not solely driven by feelings. And in that faith, love grows ever deeper.

Psychologically, this is a profound testament to relational repair. True love embraces the beauty of rupture followed by the miracle of repair. The bride and the groom are not starting from scratch; they are boldly advancing, enriched with wisdom and a deeper bond than ever before. Neuroscience illuminates that consistent restoration after rupture weaves a tapestry of secure attachment. In both our human relationships and our sacred bond with God, the capacity to reconnect after experiencing pain is what forges enduring trust and profound joy.

Love has not simply endured; it has been passionately transformed, like a precious metal refined in the flames of experience, and now it blooms anew with an intensity that ignites the heart.

Journal Prompt:

• Can you think of a season God has restored your soul after a difficult time?
• What helped you experience that renewal?

Practical Steps and Application:

1. Spend quiet time in a garden or natural setting and reflect upon God’s nearness.
2. Read Psalm 23.
3. Identify one area of your heart that still needs restoration – and invite Jesus into it.

Deeper Introspection.

Read Psalm 23.

Verse 1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

• The Shepherd vs. False Guides: What or who do you often allow to “shepherd” your life besides God? This could be your career, other people’s opinions, financial stability, or a certain image you want to project. How has following these other guides led you to feel a sense of want or lack?
• A “Lack” Mindset: When you feel a sense of lack in your life, what does that feel like? Write about the last time you felt you “wanted” something. How can you shift your perspective to trust that your Shepherd has already provided everything you truly need?
• Relationship Status: What is the difference between acknowledging that “God is a shepherd” and deeply believing that “The Lord is my shepherd”? How does your life reflect that intimacy, or lack thereof?

Verse 2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.”

• The Struggle to Rest: For many, the idea of lying down and resting is difficult. What internal or external pressures make it hard for you to rest? What are you afraid will happen if you simply stop hustling?
• Stillness in the Chaos: Recall a time when God provided a moment of peace for you amidst a chaotic situation. How did that stillness restore your soul, and what can you do to invite that “still water” experience more intentionally into your daily life?
• Reflecting on Pasture and Water: Sheep must be free from fear, hunger, pests, and friction with others to lie down. Which of these four obstacles prevents you from resting most often? How can you address this area with your Shepherd?

Verse 3: “He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

• Soul Restoration: Describe a period in your life when you felt lost, weary, or discouraged. How did God restore you? What does “restored soul” look like for you today?
• The Right Path: How do you determine the “right path” for your life’s decisions? How do you distinguish between following God’s guidance and simply following your own desires?
• For His Name’s Sake: What does it mean that God leads you for “His name’s sake”? Does this perspective change how you view your purpose or your calling? How does your life reflect His glory?

Verse 4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

• Walking, Not Staying: The psalm says “I walk through the valley,” not “I live in the valley”. Reflect on a current or past “valley” experience. What does it mean to you to know that the darkness is temporary and you are simply passing through it?
• The Presence of the Shepherd: Write about a time you faced a difficult situation but felt a powerful sense of God’s presence with you. What was that experience like? How can you cultivate that awareness even when you don’t feel it?
• The Rod and Staff: The shepherd’s rod corrects and protects, while the staff guides. Think about a time God corrected or redirected you. How did His discipline feel, and how was it ultimately a form of comfort?

Verse 5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

• Feasting in Adversity: How can you experience gratitude and abundance (“a table prepared”) even when you are surrounded by challenges or hostile people (“in the presence of my enemies”)? What does it mean to see God’s provision regardless of your circumstances?
• The Overflowing Cup: Consider the areas of your life that feel abundant, not just materially, but spiritually and emotionally. How can you recognize these blessings and let them overflow into the lives of others?
• Anointed and Set Apart: Anointing with oil was a sign of honor and blessing. How does the knowledge that you are honored and blessed by God change how you carry yourself and interact with the world?

Verse 6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

• The Pursuing of Goodness and Mercy: The original Hebrew suggests that goodness and mercy chase after you, like a sheepdog corralling the flock. In what ways have you seen God’s goodness and mercy relentlessly pursue you, especially when you felt you had wandered away?
• A Promise for a Lifetime and an Eternity: This verse offers both a promise for this life and an assurance for the next. How does the promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever change your perspective on your current trials and your future?
• A Sense of Belonging: The “house of the Lord” can be understood as a place of belonging. Where is it hardest for you to believe that you truly belong to God’s family, and how can this verse ground you in that truth?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2026 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.