The Lord Is My Shepard

TR COGIC

9/12/99

ENCOURAGEMENT, THE LORD IS MY SHEPPARD

Ps 23:1-6

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(KJV)

shep·herd (shèp¹erd) noun

1. One who herds, guards, and tends sheep.

2. One who cares for and guides a group of people, as a minister or teacher.

· I SHALL NOT WANT

· HE LEADS

· HE RESTORES

· HE KEEPS

· HE PROTECTS

· HE SUPPLIES ALL OF MY NEEDS

Green pastures: He makes us to lie down, not to pass quickly through but to find rest and peace and contentment in the valley of His word. He provides nourishment in this valley, milk for babies and meat for adults. He never runs out but His word provides constant nourishment if we spend some time in it.

He leads us besides still water, not raging rivers, not standing waters that gather filth and corruption. He leads us in the path of righteousness.

He restores my soul, by leading me into this peaceful valley; by providing for my needs by being my shepherd. If I go astray God will restore me if I repent. If I get sick He will heal and restore me.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

I’m going to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I’m going to experience some hard times and we all must experience death itself, but we need fear no evil:

Psalms 23:1-6 PP13

[1.] It is but the shadow of death; there is no substantial evil in it; the shadow of a serpent will neither sting nor the shadows of a sword kill.

(From Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

[2.] It is the valley of the shadow, deep indeed, and dark, and dirty; but the valleys are fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God’s people.

(From Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

Psalms 23:1-6 PP13

[3.] It is but a walk in this valley, a gentle pleasant walk. The wicked are chased out of the world, and their souls are required; but the saints take a walk to another world as cheerfully as they take their leave of this.

(From Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

Psalms 23:1-6 PP13

[4.] It is a walk through it; they shall not be lost in this valley, but get safely to the mountain of spices on the other side of it.

(From Matthew Henry’s Commentary)

Ps 27:1-3

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

(KJV)

2 Pet 3:18

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV)

Favor: He supplies peace and all of our needs, there is no need to worry: