Psalm 23 My Shepherd Provides for Me For

Psalm 23

• My Shepherd – Provides for Me – For My Physical Needs (Phil. 4: 19) • He provides me all that I need, that: – I shall not lack (v. 1; cf. Lk. 12: 22 -32) – I shall be satisfied (v. 2 a; Phil. 4: 11) – I shall have peace (v. 2 b; Hb. 13: 20) – For My Spiritual Needs (Eph. 1: 3) • He restores my soul (v. 3) – Sometimes tired, weary, sad, weak – He revives & strengthens (Ps. 119) • He leads me in paths of righteousness – Cannot direct own steps (Jer. 10: 23) – Always in doing right & never to sin

• My Shepherd – Protects Me (v. 4 -5) – In the valley of the shadow of death • Life is full of tough challenges – Dark places, bitter experiences – Usually fear, despair & uncertainty – Lonely, loss, illness (Ps. 56: 8; 30: 5) • YOU ARE WITH ME! (I walk & not fear!) – Not just leading; now beside me! – Safe & secure (Ps. 46: 1 -2, 10; 56: 3) • YOU COMFORT ME! – Your rod – defends & protects – Your staff – guides & cares – His voice/word calms me (Rm. 15: 4)

• My Shepherd – Protects Me (v. 4 -5) – In the valley of the shadow of death – In the presence of my enemies • Life is full of hard battles – Mistreated, excluded, lied about – My arch foe wants to devour me! • YOU PREPARE, ANOINT & OVERFLOW! – YOU are there (37: 25; Heb. 13: 5 -6) – YOU uphold & honor (Isa. 41: 9 -13) – YOU soothe my wounds (Ps. 147: 3) – YOU bless to abundance (Jn. 10: 10) – YOU camp all around (Psa. 34: 7) • My Shepherd not allow enemy prevail!

• My Shepherd – Preserves Me (v. 6) – He preserves me if I serve Him with full assurance & utmost confidence – All the days of my life • Goodness will continually pursue me – Gifts & blessings of God (Jas. 1: 17) • Mercy will continually pursue me – Tenderheartedness of God (40: 11 ff) – Forever • • • In God’s house = In God’s presence A loyal sheep both follows and dwells Ultimately dwelling in heaven forever

• My (The Sheep’s) Part – Total Trust – Complete Contentment – Real Righteousness – Faithful Following – Constant Companionship – Headed Heavenward

• Only if you believe/trust Him – Hebrews 11: 6 • Only if you repent of your sins – Luke 13: 3 • Only if you confess your faith – Matthew 10: 32 • Only if you are immersed in water – Mark 16: 16 • Only if you follow Him faithfully – Revelation 2: 10