Go! And Trust in the Lord, Your Rock and Shepherd - Psalm 28
Introduction:
Today we gather to immerse ourselves in the profound truths of Psalm 28, a heartfelt cry of King David that resonates deeply with our own experiences. In this psalm, we witness a journey from desperation to deliverance, from pleading to praise. Through David's words, we are reminded of the unwavering strength and protection found in our Lord, who is both our Rock and our Shepherd.
Let us read together Psalm 28 from the New Living Translation:
"I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die.
Listen to my prayer for mercy
as I cry out to you for help,
as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.
Do not drag me away with the wicked—
with those who do evil—
those who speak friendly words to their neighbors
while planning evil in their hearts.
Give them the punishment they so richly deserve!
Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness.
Pay them back for all their evil deeds!
Give them a taste of what they have done to others.
They care nothing for what the Lord has done
or for what his hands have made.
So he will tear them down,
and they will never be rebuilt!
Praise the Lord!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
The Lord gives his people strength.
He is a safe fortress for his anointed king.
Save your people!
Bless Israel, your special possession.
Lead them like a shepherd,
and carry them in your arms forever."
— Psalm 28:1-9 (NLT)
As we delve into this psalm, we will explore three pivotal truths:
The Lord is Our Rock
The Lord is Our Strength and Shield
The Lord is Our Shepherd
May the Holy Spirit open our hearts to receive and apply these truths in our lives.
1. The Lord is Our Rock
David begins his plea with a powerful declaration: "I pray to you, O Lord, my rock." The term "rock" here is translated from the Hebrew word "tsur" (????), signifying a solid, unshakable foundation. In ancient times, a rock provided shelter, security, and stability—qualities that David attributes to God.
Psalm 18:2 (NLT): "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety."
Here, David emphasizes that God is not only a rock but also a fortress and savior. Just as a fortress offers protection against enemies, God provides a refuge for His people. When life's trials assail us, we can stand firm on the unchanging nature of our God.
Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT): "He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!"
Moses describes God as the Rock, highlighting His perfection, justice, and faithfulness. In a world of shifting sands, our Lord remains steadfast and trustworthy.
Imagine a sailor navigating a stormy sea. Amidst the raging waves, he spots a massive rock formation jutting out of the water—a place of refuge and safety. Similarly, in the tempests of life, God is our immovable Rock, offering us shelter and stability.
Pastor Charles Spurgeon once said, "The Lord’s people delight in the thought that their God is a Rock; they delight to have a rock under their feet, and a rock over their heads."
Ah, what a beautiful and powerful statement from the Prince of Preachers—Charles Spurgeon truly captured the heart of the believer’s confidence in God when he said:
"The Lord’s people delight in the thought that their God is a Rock; they delight to have a rock under their feet, and a rock over their heads."
This is not just poetic—it is profoundly theological and deeply practical.
As believers, we are not standing on shifting sand. We are standing on the immovable foundation of our God, who is the Rock eternal. That Rock under our feet speaks of stability, assurance, and confidence. When the storms of life rage around us, when the winds of doubt or discouragement blow hard, we stand firm—because our God does not move.
But Spurgeon adds something precious—a rock over our heads. Not just a foundation below, but a covering above. That speaks of protection. He is our refuge, our shelter in the time of storm. He is both beneath us to support and above us to shield.
How marvellous that in every direction—under, over, around—we are encompassed by the unshakable presence of God.
So yes, as the Lord’s people, we delight in the Rock. We run to the Rock. We rest on the Rock. And we worship the Rock of our salvation—Jesus Christ, our sure and steadfast foundation.
2. The Lord is Our Strength and Shield
Transitioning from his plea, David proclaims in verse 7: "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart." This dual imagery portrays God as both the source of our power and our protector.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT): "He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."
Isaiah reminds us that human strength is limited, but God's strength is inexhaustible. When we place our trust in Him, He renews our vigor, enabling us to overcome challenges that would otherwise overwhelm us.
Ephesians 6:16 (NLT): "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."
Paul instructs believers to take up the shield of faith, emphasizing that our trust in God serves as a defense against spiritual attacks. Just as a shield deflects arrows, our faith in God's promises protects us from the enemy's schemes.
Consider a soldier in ancient times, entering battle with a sturdy shield. This shield is not only a defense but also a source of confidence. Likewise, knowing that God is our shield allows us to face life's battles with courage and assurance.
Author David Platt stated, "If you can trust God to save you for eternity, you can trust Him to lead you for a lifetime."
Absolutely! That quote from David Platt is a powerful and faith-stirring reminder. As I reflect on it, I’m struck by the beautiful simplicity and depth of truth it holds.
“If you can trust God to save you for eternity, you can trust Him to lead you for a lifetime.”
Church, let that sink in for a moment. If we believe that God has the power, the love, and the grace to rescue our souls from eternal separation—to save us, forgive us, and secure us for eternity through Christ—then surely we can trust Him with the decisions, the direction, and even the detours of our daily lives!
Our eternity rests in the hands of a faithful Saviour. And if He is trustworthy with forever, He is more than trustworthy with today, tomorrow, and every trial in between.
So, let’s walk forward in faith. Let’s trust Him not just for heaven, but for every step on the journey there. Amen?
3. The Lord is Our Shepherd
In the concluding verse, David appeals: "Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever." This pastoral imagery underscores God's guidance, care, and intimate involvement in our lives.
Psalm 23:1-3 (NLT): "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name."
David portrays God as a shepherd who provides, leads, and restores. As sheep rely entirely on their shepherd, we are called to depend wholly on God, trusting in His provision and direction.
John 10:11 (NLT): “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
Jesus Himself declares that He is the Good Shepherd—not merely one who guides, but one who lays down His life for His flock. The Greek word here for "good" is ?a??? (kalos), meaning noble, beautiful, and excellent. This isn’t just a job description; it's a revelation of His loving character. Jesus, our Shepherd, is not distant—He is personal, sacrificial, and deeply compassionate.
Isaiah 40:11 (NLT): “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.”
The Hebrew imagery here is tender and comforting. God is not only strong and mighty—He is gentle and near. He carries us close to His heart, especially when we are weak or vulnerable.
A shepherd once told of how he would carry injured lambs across his shoulders until they healed. That imagery brings Psalm 28 to life—“carry them in your arms forever.” Even when we stumble, our Shepherd doesn't cast us aside—He lifts us up, holds us close, and leads us onward.
Pastor Timothy Keller beautifully wrote, “If you have a shepherd, you shall not want. The only way you can be truly content is to trust the Shepherd who leads you to what you really need.”
That’s a beautiful and powerful quote from Pastor Timothy Keller—full of depth and truth. It echoes the heart of Psalm 23 and aligns perfectly with the message of Psalm 28. Trusting the Shepherd means trusting His provision, His timing, and His leading—even when we walk through valleys, He is enough. He gives us not everything we want, but everything we need for life, godliness, and joy.
The Gospel in Psalm 28
David’s cry for mercy, his plea for deliverance, and his ultimate trust in God all point us toward the greater David—Jesus Christ. Where David prayed for God to hear his voice and not be dragged away with the wicked, Jesus was willingly dragged away—He took our place. He became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
At the cross, Jesus endured the silence of the Father—He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Mark 15:34 NLT), so that we would never be abandoned. He is the Rock struck for us, the Shield who absorbed the wrath, the Shepherd who died for His sheep.
And yet, He rose again, and now He lives forever to intercede for us.
Application & Call to Action
So, what does Psalm 28 call us to do?
Go! And trust in the Lord your Rock.
Don’t build your life on sand. When trials come, and they will, stand on the unshakable foundation of Christ.
Go! And rely on His strength and shield.
Don’t fight your battles alone. Take up the shield of faith and let His strength be made perfect in your weakness.
Go! And follow your Shepherd.
Don’t wander aimlessly. Follow His voice, for He leads to green pastures and still waters—even through the valley of the shadow of death.
And when you’re weary? He will carry you.
Invitation to Faith in Jesus
Friend, if you have never surrendered your life to the Rock, the Shield, and the Shepherd, today is the day. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and save the lost. He died on the cross for your sins and rose again so you could be forgiven and made new.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Will you trust Him today?
If your heart is stirred, then pray in faith:
“Lord Jesus, I trust in You. Be my Rock, my Shield, my Shepherd. Forgive my sins. Make me new. I surrender my life to You. Lead me from this day forward. Amen.”
Closing Encouragement
Let us go forth with joy, knowing that the Lord hears our cries, strengthens our hearts, protects our souls, and leads us home. Whether you’re in the valley or on the mountaintop, hold this truth close: You are carried in His arms forever.
And so, dear family, Go! And trust in the Lord, your Rock and Shepherd.
Amen.
