The environment we created for ourselves

When we allow God, our Shepherd, to guide us, we have contentment and refreshment. When we choose to sin, however, we go our own way and cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Our Shepherd knows the "green pastures" and "quiet waters" that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following him obediently. Rebelling against the Shepherd's leading is actually rebeling against our own best interests. Remember this the next time you are tempted to go your own way rather than the Shepherd's way.