1. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23
A Psalm of trust
We have no need to have fears or concerns because the Lord is our Shepherd

2. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23
When we think of the many benefits God gives us in the midst of problems, we realize God will continue to provide persistent, loving care and bring us to full communion with Him.

3. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23
A. The Lord as our Leader
Psalm 23:1-4
Blessing #1 = Spiritual nourishment

4. 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1-3
1The LORD is my shepherd;          I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;          He leads me beside the still waters.  3 He restores my soul;

5. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:1
David understood what a shepherd does
1 Sam. 16:19
The Lord is our Shepherd
Isa. 40:11; John 10:14; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:4

6. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:1
"I shall not want"
God will meet our needs,
whatever they may be.

7. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:2a
"lie down"
Sheep are easily made afraid and don't lie down easily. They need to feel secure.
The Lord can do that for us.

8. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:2a
"Green pastures"
Abundant care from God, abundant provision

9. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:2b-3a
Blessing #2
Spiritual restoration
God's faithfulness and gracious care restores us through difficulties

10. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:2b-3a
"still waters"
calming influence
It is critical to trust Him.
Our soul is restored by truth, not the false perceptions that drive us farther from Him.

11. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:3b
Blessing #3
God's leading

12. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:3b
God leads us for His glory.
God leads us in "the right way".
A good shepherd knows the best way to bring the sheep home safely.

13. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:3b
A major reason for God's guidance is "for His name's sake".
When we follow Him, we will see God's good will for us (Rom. 12:1-2).

14. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:2-3
Life seen properly brings teaching, growth, guidance, and the ability to endure.

15. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:2-3
Being led doesn't necessarily mean no conflict. However, we can see His hand.
Often, after the case, we thank God for what seemed terrible at the time.

16. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:4
Blessing #4
God's protection

17. Psalm 23:4
4 Yea, 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.

18. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:4
The Valley of deep darkness (Valley of Death) may be any deeply distressing event.

19. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:4
We become very aware of our mortality.
This can occur in many ways; sickness and difficulties of many kinds.
Doesn't get a lot scarier than this.

20. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:4
In our dark times, the Lord is with us, providing guidance and correction that directs us to the best.
When we don't live by faith, we lose peace and often don't see as we should.

21. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:4
Rod and staff were used to rescue, guide and protect the sheep.
We are never in situations in which the Lord is not with us.

22. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:4
We don't have to be afraid because God is with us; caring for us.
One of the great struggles in difficulties, especially serious ones, is believing that.

23. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
B. The Lord as our Provider
Psalm 23:5

24. Psalm 23:5
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;          You anoint my head with oil;          My cup runs over.

25. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
"Table before me"
God's provision is abundant
"in the presence of my enemies"
God's got this!

26. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
"anoint"
Common that an honored guest with anointed olive oil which contained perfumes

27. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
"My cup runs over"
God is a generous Provider on many levels

28. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
This is done "in the presence of" David's enemies.
While they hate David and plot to kill him, the all-powerful God is supremely in control, unconcerned by David's enemies!

29. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
While the many "enemies" of our life stand ready to destroy, the all-mighty Shepherd provides and protects us.
Heb. 1:13-14; 13:20-21

30. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:5
Never forget, no matter how bad things look,
God's got this!

31. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:6
C. The response of faith
Psalm 23:6

32. Psalm 23:6
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me          All the days of my life;          And I will dwell in the house of the LORD          Forever.

33. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:6
"follow" was used of an animal in pursuit.
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When David sees how God deals with him, he realizes that God's goodness toward him and His mercy toward him would never end.

34. Our Great Shepherd - Psalm 23:6
So it is with us!