#24 Lessons from Psalm 23

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Photo by Steven Lasry on Unsplash

    Psalm 23 is one of our favorite verses. Who could not remember this reassuring psalm? The Lord is my shepherd... it begins. Here's the whole chapter in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) version.

The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.

Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.

   Our pastor expounded on this passage during the last Sunday of May 2022. Indeed, Psalm 23 never loses its comforting power in a world full of miseries or during times of personal suffering. Below were our notes from listening to the message. Disclaimer: The notes below do not represent the whole message of the sermon.

Following and Trusting the Good Shepherd

Psalm 23
Pastor M
  • Was there a season in your life you feel safe and secure?
  • Psalm 23: David invites us how and who we can experience security.

Lesson 1: The Lord faithfully provides everything we need.

  • verse 1 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
  • The good shepherd provides everything we need.
  • The shepherd takes care of them individually.
  • We do not lack anything.
  • Do you trust the Lord that he will provide all the things you need?
  • verse 2 - he makes me... leads me... restores me.
  • verse 3a - he restores my soul
  • verse 3b - he leads me on the right path
  • Whatever twists and turns in your life, God has a purpose and there is no accident.

Lesson 2: The Lord protects us through all dangers.

  • verse 4 - even though I walk... The Lord lovingly protects us through dangers
  • In order for God to lead us to the path of righteousness, we pass through the valleys or shadows of death and evil.
  • But, he protects us and makes us secure!
  • Dark valleys in our lives - loss of reputation, death, sickness, divorce, pain, sorrows etceteras
  • Remember - Christians are not immune to experiencing dark valleys.
  • Whatever death valleys you are going through, you are not alone.
  • verse 4b - your rod and staff, they comfort me
  • Your dark valley, whatever it is, is not and cannot be your final destination.

Lesson 3: The Lord generously and graciously delights in us

  • verses 5-6 - He prepares a table for me. We are invited guests in His house!
  • In the midst of my enemies - We can see God's generosity and graciousness in the midst of our adversities!
  • Can you see the Lord's goodness and mercy in the midst of evil, sorrows, and enemies in your life?
  • There are wounds in dark valleys, but can you see and say that your cup overflows and say that  God's goodness and mercy follow you?
  • verse 6 - God's goodness and faithful love will pursue you all the days of your life.
  • John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd who lay his life for his sheep.
  • He took our shame, guilt, condemnation, and death so he can be a good shepherd to us.
  • But, we need to accept him to be our good shepherd.
  • He is our eternal hope. 
Are you suffering today? Grab his hand and experience the good shepherd.

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