Psalm 23 And Divine Providence

PSALMS 23 AND DIVINE PROVIDENCE

INTRODUCTION:

1. The doctrine of fatalism posits that all events are determined by fate instead of natural causes, and nothing than man can will or do affects the course of events. The concept of fate underlying all theories of fatalism is: 1) destiny is a dead, blind power; 2) human liberty is completely irresistibly controlled by destiny.

2. Theologians have modified this doctrine to a doctrine called deism (explain).

3. Christians, on the other hand, are able to draw comfort from the Biblical doctrine of Providence.

4. Providence is the doctrine that God provides for the needs of his people.

5. The most definitive verse on this subject is (Romans 8:28).

6. But, perhaps the best chapter of the Bible dealing with this subject is also the most memorized chapter in the entire Bible.

DISCUSSION:

I. How do we do justice to this beautiful Psalm?

A. This psalm has been compared to the Nightingale. The nightingale is insignificant in size and plumage, but it sings sweetly during many nights while others mourn and offers hope for the morning of joy.

B. Like the Lark it sings as it mounts and can be heard after it passes out of sight.

C. Three thousand years have come and gone since this psalm was first sung and yet it continues to give more strength, comfort, rest, and hope to those who read and understand than any other chapter in the archives of man.

(Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV) "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. {30} "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. {31} "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

II. “The Lord is my Shepherd” (23:1).

A. There are billions people in the world and yet each one of us can say, "The Lord is my shepherd."

B. Sign held up by campus protetors in the early 70s said, "I Am a student do not fold, spindle or mutilate."

C. Students in the large universities had come to the point they felt like numbers in a faceles crow.

D. Even after 17 years of ministry in this congregation I must admit that I struggle to keep everyone’s names straight.

E. Yet, even though there are approximately 6 billion people on the earth I can say, "the Lord is MY Shepherd."

III. III. “I shall not want” (23:1).

A. The little girl said, "The Lord is my Shepherd. That’s all I want."

B. This can be said because sheep are completely defenseless and the shepherd is their protector and defender.

C. I shall not want for material things (Matt. 6:30,31).

D. I shall not want for spiritual good. (Rom. 5:7-11).

IV. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures” (23:2).

A. This is a picture of safety : Sheep do not lie down when they are being stalked.

1. "Come unto me and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11)

B. Picture of satisfaction Sheep do not lay down when they are hungry.

V. "He leads me beside the still waters" (23:2).

A. Still waters convey a picture of calm activity in the Lord. (Phil. 4:7).

VI. VI. V. 3 "He restores my soul.

A. When the sheep go astray he brings them back

B. When the sheep are tired and weary he revives them.

C. Spurgeon said, "When the soul grows sorrowful he revives it; when it is sinful he sanctifies it; when it is weak he strengthens it."

VII. "He leads me in the paths of righteousness For his names sake."

A. The leading of verse three is different from the leading in verse two.

B. In verse two he is leading to food and rest. In verse three is leading from place to place in our daily walk or life.

C. "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct they paths." (Prov. 3:6).

VIII. "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.

A. When death is as close as our shadow, we walk in confidence.

B. The rod and staff protected and guided.

IX. "Thou prepared a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

A. Even in the presence of those who work against us, God gives us happiness.

(John 16:33 NKJV) "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

X. "You anoint my head with oil."

A. Explain.

XI. My cups runs over." (Phil 4.19)

A. He cares for the thirsty in a land where water could be as precious as gold.