Psalm 23 Series
By
Elmer L. Towns
Lesson 2 (23rd Psalm): I shall not want
A. ABOUT RELATIONSHIP
1. Why can I say, “The Shepherd is mine?”
a. Because He gave His life for me. “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). “I give unto them (the sheep) eternal life” (John 10:28).
b. Because He called me. “He calleth his own sheep by name” (John 10:3). “He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4).
c. Because He guides me through life. “He leadeth them” (John 10:3).
d. Because He provides for me. “Green pastures . . . still waters . . . restored soul . . . table full of food . . . overflowing cup . . . house to live in forever.”
e. Because He protects me. “Thy rod and thy staff.”
f. Because He sends two sheep dogs to watch over me. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me.”
g. Because He gives me abundant spiritual blessings. “I am come that (the sheep) they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
2. Why does the Shepherd say I belong to Him?
a. Because He created me. The Lord calls us, “my sheep.”
b. Because He loves me.
c. Because He brought me back when I went astray. “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost” (Luke 14:6).
d. Because He rejoices over me. “There is joy by God in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repents” (Luke 14:10 ELT).
e. Because He has a home waiting for me. “I shall live in God’s home forever.”
3. What is the Shepherd not called in Psalm 23?
a. “God (Elohim) is my shepherd,” this means power.
b. “The Master (Adonai) is my shepherd.” This implies servant.
c. “The King is my shepherd.” This suggests rule.
d. Other titles, Holy One, Rock, Almighty, Fortress, and the Possessor of Heaven and earth.
e. The Lord is my Shepherd suggests what kind of relationship? Personal, caring, intimate, peaceful, and secure.
4. When is the Lord your Shepherd?
a. The Lord “was” my Shepherd live in the past.
b. The Lord “will be” my Shepherd, live in the future.
c. When can you have His protection? Right here, right now.
5. Is the Lord your personal Shepherd?
a. “The Lord is “a” shepherd,” suggests one among many.
b. “The Lord is “the” shepherd,” suggests not personal.
c. “The Lord is “our” shepherd,” suggests a crowd.
d. “The Lord is “my” shepherd” suggests personal relationship.
6. What does the phrase “I shall not want” suggest?
a. Will I die? Yes.
b. Will I get sick? Yes.
c. Have God’s people been martyred? Yes.
d. Have God’s people suffered financial reverses? Yes.
I shall not want His presence.
I shall not want His plan for my life.
I shall not want His protection over evil.
I shall not want spiritual satisfaction.
I shall not want what my Shepherd can give.
Doesn’t apply to:
I want fun, because He gives satisfaction.
I want to fulfill my lust, because He cannot tempt us.
I want money, because He gives what money buys.
I want better circumstances, because He gives abundant life.
7. When shall I not want?
a. I shall not want in the future, Heaven.
b. I shall purpose not to want, yield to Him.
c. I expect the Lord to take care of me, so I will not want, Faith statement.
d. I shall not want, resting in Him.
PRAYING THE 23rd PSALM
Because Thou art my Shepherd,
I commit my needs to Thee.
Provide green pasture for me to lie in,
Lead me beside still waters.
Restore my soul when I’m empty,
Lead me in right paths for Your name’s sake.
Be with me in danger when I walk,
Through the valley of the shadow of death.
Deliver me from evil,
And protect me with Your rod and staff.
Prepare a table to feed me,
So my enemies can see Your provision.
Anoint me with the oil of Your healing,
Let me drink from the full cup of Your provision.
Surely goodness and mercy will always follow me,
And I will live with You 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. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
*Taken from: Praying the 23rd Psalm, Elmer L. Towns, Regal Books, Ventura, CA, 2001.
