He Takes Me to Lush Pastures

In verse 2 of Psalm 23, as David continues to describe how God is his shepherd, he begins to use language that is even more specific to the relationship between sheep and shepherds. To understand what it means for a shepherd to make a sheep lie down in green pastures and to lead them to still waters, we must also understand more of the distinctiveness of sheep as livestock.
Sheep do not lie down easily. Everything has to be right, and it is the shepherd’s job to make those things so. When David says the God “makes him lay down” he is probably thinking of the things that God does to provide the right circumstances for him to lay down. One thing that sheep require to lie down is to be free of fear. Because they are timid animals, they depend on the shepherd not only to protect them, but also to make them feel protected. A good shepherd can do this just by his presence as his sheep trust that if he is there that they are sheep. David knows that God is always present and is capable of protecting him in all circumstances, and so he doesn’t need to be anxious.
Sheep also must be free of tension with others. Because they are social animals, it is common for larger sheep to bully smaller sheep, creating unrest among the flock. Shepherds must maintain order by protecting smaller sheep and disciplining larger ones (pictured in Ezekiel 34:15-21.) In addition, sheep must be free from hunger and from pests. Sheep do well in drier areas where there are fewer pests, but in those areas, there is also less available food. Shepherds must know their land and take them to pastures, even in desolate landscapes, where sheep can be fed. Then, they can lay down in peace.
Sheep also need to drink water regularly. They will drink from any source available when thirst enough, but they most need water that is both clean and relatively still, where they can drink safely. A good shepherd takes them to those waters and ensure that they get the water they need to sustain them even in a harsh climate.
David not only recognizes that God is present, but also trusts that God can protect him and is in control. He further recognizes that God meets his needs of food and water, that He enforces order justly, and that He sets things right. Because of that, David is able to be at rest and secure, even in the midst of the most seeming difficult situations. David knew that he was not promised freedom from physical danger, only that he could trust that God was in control and that His will would be done, and that was enough for David to be at peace.