The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:4 09/18/2005 Dr. Dane Boyles

The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:4 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. (Psa 23:4)

Place: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...” For the believer, death is gain. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. NIV (Phil 1:21) 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. NIV (2 Cor 5:8)

Place: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...” 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. NIV (2 Tim 4:6) Divine discipline. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. NIV (1 Cor 11:30)

Place: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...” Glorify God 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. NIV (Phil 1:20)

Peace: “...I will fear no evil because you are with me...” The great shepherd will never forsake us. When we are weak.

Peace: “...I will fear no evil because you are with me...” 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Peace: “...I will fear no evil because you are with me...” 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. NIV (2 Cor 12:8-10)

Peace: “...I will fear no evil because you are with me...” When we are weary. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NIV (Gal 6:9) 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. NIV (Mat 11:28)

Peace: “...I will fear no evil because you are with me...” When others forsake us. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. NIV (Psa 27:10)

Presence: “...Your rod and your staff they comfort me.” Rod and Staff. Rod speaks of authority - staff of aid. Rod for defense - staff for direction. Rod used to rule - staff for restoration. Rod used for enemies - staff for sheep. Rod used to govern - staff for guidance.

Peace: “...I will fear no evil because you are with me...” His staff keeps me straight; his rod keeps me safe. This is a type of God’s Word. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, NIV (2 Tim 3:16) The Shepherd provides comfort for His sheep in midst of the valley.

The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23:4 09/18/2005 Dr. Dane Boyles