Psalm 23 Lesson 4 Series

All Scriptures are from The Bible by Jesus

A. EXPANDED TRANSLATION

“I am your shepherd; I will find a place for you to lie down and rest as comfortable as a green pasture. I will restore your soul, I will lead you in right paths as surely as My name is the Lord. I will guide you through death’s valley and bring you out on the other side; My rod will protect you from danger and my staff will rescue you when you are in trouble. I will prepare a meal for you that will become your favorite, I will satisfy your thirst with a cup that is full and running over; My goodness and mercy will be like sheep dogs, keeping you from straying and leading you to the perfect place of rest; it is My house, My home in heaven and you can live there forever” (Psalm 23).

B. BACKGROUND FOR THOSE IN UPHEAVAL

1. Written after David’s sin with Bathsheba, upset and convicted.

2. Written during the time when David was toppled from the throne by Absalom. David was fleeing for his life, in the wilderness, scared.

3. Five sections:

1) I am your source, v. 1 – Shepherd

2) I strengthen the inner man, vv. 2-3

3) I give direction in life, v. 3

4) Providing protection, v. 4

5) Giving strength and satisfaction, vv. 5-6

C. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, SOURCE, v. 1

1. If there is selfish desires or sinful influences ruling your life, then I the Lord, am not your shepherd.

2. If you drift and are lost, then I the Lord, am not your shepherd.

3. Why are we called sheep?

a. Easily lost.

b. Poor eyes – not see clearly.

c. Will eat anything good or toxic.

d. No sense of direction – cannot find home. “You are all like sheep getting off the path and going where you want to go” (Is. 53:6).

D. NOURISHMENT FOR THE INNER MAN, v. 2

1. We, like sheep need grass (food), water (drink), and rest (green pastures). “. . . a place to lie down . . . green pastures” (v. 5).

2. The strength of your inner man is foundational for solving problems. “There are difficulties in this world but do not give up. There are trials and temptations, but they should make you try harder. When you get frustrated with the things you can’t do, and you get tired, do not give up” (2 Cor. 4:16).

E. DIRECTION IN LIFE, v. 3

1. “I will lead you in right paths” (v. 3). The word paths means well-defined or well-worn trails. I will lead by decision-making and problem solving. The will of God is a verb, not a noun. Your daily guidance is based on Scriptures.

2. Three steps to guidance:

a. Surrender – “I’ll go anywhere, I’ll do anything, and I’ll be anything God wants of me.”

b. Obey – 95% of the will of God is already known. He will not reveal the hidden 5% until we act on what we know.

c. Pray – for guidance. “When you lack, ask Me for it, because I liberally give” (James 1:5).

F. PROVIDING PROTECTION, v. 4

1. A picture of My young shepherd leading you back home in the evening through a valley of scary shadows. “I have promised, I will never leave you, or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

2. The rod was a club to drive off animals, and the staff was a slender pole to aid sheep.

3. We have two enemies:

1) The devil. “The devil is a murderer . . . the devil is a liar” (John 8:44).

2) Our sinful nature. “We have met the enemy and he is us” ~Pogo.

G. GIVING STRENGTH AND SATISFACTION, v. 5

1. Shepherds do three things:

1) Lead

2) Feed

3) Protect. A pastor is a shepherd to the flock of God (Acts 20:20-31).

2. “I will prepare a meal” (v. 5). Strength.

3. “I will satisfy your thirst with a cup that is full” (v. 5). Satisfaction.

4. “My goodness and mercy will be like sheep dogs keeping you from straying and leading you to a place of perfect rest” (v. 6). Security.

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.