“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want … 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” (Psalm 23:1, 4).
A. WHEN YOU ARE SACRED
1. What scares you?
a. Physical hurt.
b. Emotional hurt.
c. Financial loss.
d. Loss of a loved one.
e. Loss of income/job/livelihood.
f. Loss of treasure/possession.
g. Loss of reputation/position/status.
h. _________________.
2. What are sheep like?
a. Defenseless.
b. Little means of escape.
c. Wanders into trouble.
d. Eats wrong things.
e. No warning ability.
3. Why do you need a shepherd? You are a sheep, and … “The devil walks about like a roaring lion … seeking … devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV).
4. What are contemporary dangers?
a. New Age cartoons.
b. Ads on TV.
c. Sexual innuendoes.
d. Drugs.
e. Alcohol.
5. “Death shadows” (v. 4). Why do shadows scare us?
a. Children afraid of what is not there.
b. Be afraid of what might be there.
c. Death is unknown.
d. When/where/how/why.
6. What will shadows steal from you?
a. Assurance to live/invest/relate.
b. Happiness.
c. Future planning.
d. Faith.
e. Ministry
f. Walk/relationship with God.
7. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow ….” (v. 4).
a. Faith-walking (2 Corinthians 5:7).
b. Not into danger, but through.
c. Not left there.
d. Not even the purpose of harming you.
8. “Thou art with me” (v. 4). When you walk with Jesus “I am the light” (John 8:12):
a. You have light.
b. You have His presence.
c. Protection.
d. Assurance.
9. After danger you see a banquet. “You prepare a table before me” (v. 5). “My cup runs over” (v. 5).
a. Nourishment.
b. Health.
c. Happiness.
d. Future “forever” (v. 6).
10. “In the presence of my enemies” (v. 5).
a. Death shadow.
b. Real enemies.
c. World, flesh, and the devil.
d. Unknown.
e. You are protected in the shepherds/Lord’s care.
11. Do not eat and run, No! “Dwell in ... the Lord” (v. 6).
12. The shepherd has two sheep dogs to guard you and chase after you “goodness and mercy shall follow me” (v. 5).
13. What is the key word to Psalm 23 Shepherd and sheep relationship?
B. TEN PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES
1. I am usually afraid of shadow/dangers that have no reality.
2. You can walk safely and confidently through terrifying valleys when the Lord is with you.
3. You need Jesus as your shepherd because you are defenseless in a dangerous world.
4. You do not have to run from danger, walk with your Shephard through the valley of death shadows.
5. When I walk with Jesus through dangerous shadows, I have His protection with me, His indwelling in me, and His power working for me.
6. I do not have to run scared through dark dangerous valleys, because Jesus is with me. I need to walk with Him and stay close to Him.
7. Even in dark dangerous days the Lord has promised a table filled with nourishing food that will fill me, satisfy me, and make me healthy.
8. I am not walking alone in a dark valley, I have two of God’s sheep dogs who will accompany me, protect me, and guide me. They are God’s goodness and mercy.
9. God is good to give me more than I deserve. He is merciful to overlook all my weaknesses, failures, and problems.
10. When I get all the way through God’s pasture on this earth, He has a home for me in Heaven with Him. I dwell there forever.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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