God's Provision In The Wilderness

GOD’S PROVISION IN THE WILDERNESS

PSALM 23:1-6 (5)

I. PALM 23

A. David seems to be drawing from various experiences in life and reflecting on God’s faithfulness

B. This psalm recognizes the fact that sheep weren’t always in fenced areas of safety and protection

C. Sheep spent much of their time in the wilderness and their survival depended on the shepherd

D. First of all, this psalm is about the faithfulness of God to His sheep while they are in the wilderness

E. Second, this psalm is about survival, surviving while in the wilderness

II. SURVIVING IN THE WILDERNESS

A. In many ways we can compare this to our own experiences

1-the sinner is in the wilderness of sin

2-the backslider has wandered away and is now out in the wilderness

3-as Christians this world is a rough, rugged, dangerous wilderness

4-the age (Last Days) in which we live is described as being “Perilous” (dangerous, life threatening)

5-throughout life we encounter wilderness places that threaten our very survival - persecution, trials, temptation, sickness, adversity, etc

B. Survival is not always easy but it is always possible

-a precious promise - 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

C. This scripture promises that we will survive the wilderness

III. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO US AND OUR FAITHFULNESS TO HIM

A. God said he would “Make a way of escape”

B. This does not mean that we are instantly delivered out of the wilderness

C. The big question is not whether we will come out of the wilderness but will we surviving until we do come out. It is not a matter of “If” but “When”

-too many Christians fall away and never make it out

D. Is this God’s fault?... Did God fail to keep His promise?...

E. No, since God said He would “Make a way of escape”, then we must faithfully follow Him

-those who got lost and fell away in the wilderness did so, not because God stranded them but because they left God and went about on their own seeking a way out

IV. GOD’S PROVISION IN THE WILDERNESS (5a)

A. “You prepare a table” - feast, meal

1-You prepare - God producing something in a miraculous way, He “Will make a way”

-prepare - lit means to build or construct

2-“Table” - refers to that which is necessary to sustain life

B. Examples

-Moses producing water from the rock, the ravens bringing food and water to Elijah, Jesus feeding the 5,000

-These were all supernatural acts of God without which the people would have perished

C. God is promising in His word that He will supernaturally provide what we need to survive in the wilderness

D. “In the presence of my enemies” - The idea is that of a city which is blockaded by an army where there is no means of get supplies in

-God will make a way where there is no way, God will provide what you need even when the enemy has you surrounded

-God does all this right before the eyes of the enemy, to his great surprise and amazement

E. Examples - Israel at the Red Sea, Elisha surrounded by the Syrians, the judges (deliverers) of Israel

VI. CONCLUSION (5b-6)

A. There are some things that are necessary for spiritual survival, they are vital to sustain spiritual life. God will supply it all if we remain faithful to Him

B. The Holy Spirit - “You anoint my head with oil”

C. Supernatural provision- “My cup runs over”

D. The joy of the Lord - “Goodness” - favor which brings joy and gladness

E. Grace - “Mercy” - equivalent to N.T. word “Grace”

F. Hope - “All the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever”