Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Explore the themes of God's love, provision, and protection as illustrated in Psalm 23, emphasizing that we are never alone in our trials as long as we are anchored to God.
Good morning, church family. Today we're diving back into one of the most beloved and cherished passages in the entire Bible, Psalm 23. We'll be exploring the rich themes of God's love for us, His provision for us, and His protection of us.
A.C. Dixon said, "In Jesus Christ on the Cross there is refuge; there is safety; there is shelter; and all the power of sin upon our track cannot reach us when we have taken shelter under the Cross that atones for our sins." This truth is beautifully echoed in the verses we'll be reading today.
Let's take a moment to read Psalm 23:
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (ESV)
Let's bow our heads in prayer.
As we delve into the first point of our sermon, God's Love for Us, we are immediately struck by the profound imagery of the Lord as our shepherd. This analogy, so beautifully crafted by King David, the author of Psalm 23, paints a picture of a God who is not distant or uninvolved, but rather intimately engaged in the lives of His people. The shepherd is not merely a guide or protector, but a caregiver who knows each one of his flock by name. This is the kind of love God has for us.
Verse 1: David declares, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This statement is not just a declaration of God's provision, but it is also a testament to the depth of His love. When we say, "I shall not want," we are acknowledging that God's love for us is so complete, so perfect, that it leaves no room for lack. It is a love that satisfies our deepest needs and desires, a love that fills every void and heals every wound.
Not a passive emotion: It’s an active force that compels God to act on our behalf. It is a love that leads us to green pastures and still waters, a love that restores our soul and guides us along the right paths. Even in the darkest valleys, we are not alone because the love of our Shepherd is with us. His rod and staff, symbols of His authority and power, comfort us because they remind us of His loving control over our lives.
A protective love: In verse 5, David writes, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." This is an image of a God who not only provides for us but also protects us. Even in the midst of our enemies, God's love surrounds us like a shield. He prepares a feast for us, a symbol of His abundant provision, right in the midst of our battles. This is a love that does not shy away from our struggles, but confronts them head-on.
A pursuing love: The last verse of the Psalm says, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." The word "follow" in the original Hebrew language has the connotation of being pursued or chased. This means that God's love is not just a static presence in our lives, but a dynamic force that actively pursues us every day. It is a love that chases after us, a love that never gives up on us, a love that is relentless in its pursuit of our hearts.
It’s a love that is beyond our comprehension, yet as close as our next breath.
When we speak of God's provision for us, we're referring to the ways in which God supplies our needs, both physical and spiritual ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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