Psalm 23  - EXPLAINED - You may have never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way; even though you say it again and again. Needless to say just like the sheep we also are dumb and incapable of defending ourselves against Satan’s schemes, especially because of the fallen nature that dominates our behavior, (Psalms 51:5). There are many characteristics that set sheep apart from other animals. God bless you the work you do for Him. Introduction . My prayer this morning is that God so imprint His truth in your heart that you will find your confidence in Him rise above the storm clouds in your life, even as David did. Many psalms include a superscription, which we believe to have been added after the fact by the people putting together the psalm book. Hear it again in the joyous voice of a child, with a little help from dad. David was a skilled warrior. Sermon Questions and Outlines Click on a date to read questions for reflection and application, or on the sermon title to view outline. 17 thoughts on “ All Shall Be Well – A Sermon On Psalm 23 And COVID-19 ” Sharon says: March 22, 2020 at 4:25 pm. He was the youngest of Jessie’s sons. Jesus also commanded his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, (Matthew 5:44). A. David did not have to fear anything. I was thinking and wondering what my life would be like in 2017 and then I stumbled upon this sermon which reminded me that He has been my Shepherd in 2016 and that He will be my Shepherd in 2017 also. Psalm 23 - "Yahweh, the Great Shepherd" (Typifying Christ, the Great Shepherd) Psalm 24 - "The Worship of Creator God, King of Israel" (Typifying Christ, the Chief Shepherd) Psalm 25 - "David's Request for Preservation Based on the Goodness of Yahweh" Psalm 26 - "David's Plea for Vindication and Mercy Based on His Integrity" I. Thank you for the insightful explanation. All because he could say, "The Lord is my shepherd.". Psalm 22 contains the traditional elements of Psalms of lament, but with a distinctive pattern. 1 Samuel Sermon Application Questions Sermon Title Sermon Text October 1, 2017 Building Character, Desiring Worship 1 Samuel 26 September 24, 2017 Who is Some of the Psalms were not given titles so we can only speculate as to when and why they were written. In doing so he waited upon the Lord. A single flock can have as few as 10 animals or as much as hundreds of them. Psalm 23 David reflected on God"s many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in the future. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. . MY SOUL REMEMBERING - Psalm 103:2 (Remember that Sermon Seeds are just seeds or ideas. Of this psalm, Martin Luther said, “Of all the figures that are applied to God in the … At my urging, my father would try to stop the windows from rattling, wedging wooden matchsticks into the cracks. First to fight off animals such as Lions, Leopards, Bears, Hyenas, and Wolves that usually seek to prey upon the sheep. Psalm … With simple beauty, it speaks of green pastures and still waters as well as dark valleys and enemies and adversities. Good sermons are supposed to start out by identifying a problem or a fear we face, then show us how scripture helps us deal with that problem or fear. As we return to this passage, the first thing we need to remember from our previous studies is that Psalm 23 is a shepherd's reflection on how well God takes care of His people; and specifically in this psalm, we learn how well God takes care of him, of David the writer. How to Beat FOMO Forever. A king who won the hearts of his people. How did David do it? Take this outline and reduce or expand on it as the Lord leads you. We'd love to hear from you. He was tempted to fret over his life on many occasions, not the least of which was the time when Saul was seeking his life, which according to some commentators may very well form the background to this psalm. He makes me lie down . . The Psalm is a musical journal of one who … The Lord cannot exalt us, honor us before our enemies or ensure overflowing provision in times of storms unless we save both the battle and vengeance for him. King David, a great leader himself, writes to us under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and tells us what our Great Shepherd does … We will do a quick outline of the Psalm and then in later articles look at the riches the Psalm contains. His physical … Once, I remember, my father said, "Would you rather I leave the light on and go downstairs, or turn the light out and stay with you for awhile?" 23 rd Psalm is probably the most quoted & read chapter of the Bible.. 2. Problems are not absent in life. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want (cf. Through this passage, we learn that Jehovah—the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God––tenderly cares for those who belong to Him. Now God’s relationship with man has always been a covenant relationship. In this verse, David tells the same about God because God directed him down paths of uprightness during his kingship and enabled him to win great battles in his commission to possess the land promised to the nation. Everything makes sense in our understanding of a shepherd leading his flock to green grass and calm waters. In our walk with God, this rod is none other than his word. In the light, we are prone to wander off in pursuit of greener grass. Its words are words learned in youth, quoted in adulthood and cherished in old age. David knew that he had received God's lavish care all his life. Print page. B. sermons and saints. He is a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. revival. Text: Psalms 23:6, \"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,\" A Testimony of Surety. His victory over Goliath was a turning point for both good and bad. sheep dogs. Intro: Psalms 22-24 are precious pieces of Hebrew poetry. Isn't that not what we really want most in our valleys—the assurance that Someone is there? 23, David takes the gentle picture of a shepherd with his sheep to describe the relationship God has with us and we with Him. God bless. MY SOUL RESPONDING (in hope) - Psalm 42:5 . sermons and saints. And hold on to the truth that there is something better waiting on the other side of this valley. A. Then all would be quiet, except for the rattling windows and my cowering imagination. I am blessed. Many psalms have distinctive structures and a symmetry which aids memorisation and gives focus to some of the important words and themes of the overall psalm. The darkness among ravines symbolizes different seasons in David’s life. First, he speaks of God's nearness, His presence. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God"s goodness in the present and in the future. MY SOUL RELAXING (waiting) - Psalm 62:1,5, Psalm 130:5-6 . Everything in the psalm … The Secret to Security and Satisfaction (1 of 5) by Ernest Easley. MY SOUL REJOICING - Psalm 35:9 . . Psalm 23 is the best known and most popular of all the psalms. In Psalm 23:4, we have mention made of "Thy rod and Thy staff." The truths it contains are powerful and indeed life-changing. But why would a good shepherd who would lay down his life for his sheep lead a lamb into a valley filled with danger and death threats? May God continue to bless your ministry. Psalm 23 is one of those places. It is precious to us, a balm to our wounded souls. revival. . The fate of a sheep fallen on its back is determined by many factors. Psalm 23:1-6. David was a man just like we are. He is pictured as a King coming in power and glory. He is leading you through this valley for reasons that probably won't be apparent. hopeless, help for the helpless, encouragement for the discouraged, and strength for the weak. That Psalm is a clear prophecy of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. religion or Christ. The Bible says that God made Jesus who did not know sin to be sin for us so that in him we would become the righteousness of God, (2 Corinthians 5:21). The year 1997 was such a time. Reflect on these twelve steps in the Psalm 23 outline of spiritual formation in Christ. FOMO (the “fear of missing out”) is a real thing, and it’s more intense … In Psalm 22, we have a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. There could be rockslides, mud, or . When I walk through the dark lonesome valley; My Savior will walk with me there. Thank you, and May God bless you. In case the flock is too big he watches the sky for the presence of vultures. Psalm 23 is very personal. What happens if he finds out that one of them is missing? These wells in the middle east are very deep and require special mechanisms to draw water. But they always rattled in spite of his efforts. because sheep while bending to drink water might also fall into it. Yet the shepherd naturally knows the needs of each and every animal in the flock. Select an option and chat directly with a member of our support team. Click here for more messages from the Psalm 23 Series. But in spite of such hazards he also knows that this is still the best way to take his flock to the high country. A. ), D. The worshiper’s sinlessness (Hebrews 10:4 … to take away sins…). A covenant is basically a conditional agreement between two or more parties. And safely His great hand will lead me To the mansions He's gone to prepare. C. Fourth to count the sheep. Your Bible study. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Psalm 23 EXEGESIS: CONTEXT: “A Psalm by David.” This is called the superscription. David is the writer of this psalm. When all the color has drained out of life, and your soul is downcast, look up. Now up to this point in the psalm, David has painted this metaphor with very bright and lush colors. This statement actually shook the readers of biblical times because the temptation in ancient Israel was to speak only about “our” God, (Deuteronomy 6:4) forgetting that the God of Israel is also the God of individuals. ". Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children’s Sermons Hymn Lists. a dozen other natural disasters that would destroy or injure his sheep. The gospel reading for today (John 10 v 11 –1 8) echoes the message of Psalm 23 and challenges us to go out to ‘bring in other sheep who are not of this flock’ so that they too can experience the love and care of The Good Shepherd. My prayer this morning is that God so imprint His truth in your heart that you will find your confidence in Him rise above the storm clouds in your life, even as David did. With this Psalm in their hearts millions have lived and with it on their lips multitudes have died. ©2005 Barberville.net First Baptist Church of Barberville - 200 E. Broad St. PO Box 97, Barberville, FL 32112 — they … Introduction: In Psalm 23, David compares the Lord to a shepherd who lovingly tends his flock. This image of death compliments the metaphor of the shepherd because the shepherd at times has to lead his flock to feeding grounds across ravines with sharp cliffs. Intro. The Bible also says that whoever receives him (including you) receive the power to know God as personally as a son knows his father, (John 1:12). Fix your eyes on Jesus, your Good Shepherd. Some of the Psalms were not given titles so we can only speculate as to when and why they were written. Third, it searches our hearts, (Hebrews 4:12). The “green pastures” are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move from place to place to be satisfied. revive us again. Your staff . He never sought to avenge his enemies, which was evident in his reaction to Saul’s wickedness, (1 Samuel 24:1-22). May my good God richly inspire you. Most of the problems if not all we face in life are the results of not heeding God’s guidance. All Shall Be Well – A Sermon On Psalm 23 And COVID-19 By Kiwican – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons For many years my younger son (the one I told to swallow some spit) and I had a ritual when it was time for him to go to bed. Hebrews 13:5b-6 says it like this: "He has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." It is one of life’s great mysteries why things work out the way they do. Reading Psalm 23 in light of Psalm 22 emphasizes the depth of that assurance; it is not an assurance cheaply bought, but is the hard-won assurance of those who have suffered greatly and felt the gentle guidance of their shepherd. Since Jesus’ death paid the penalty of our sin in full there’s no need for animal sacrifices anymore and he is the new covenant through whom we enjoy an unsevered relationship with God. B. NO LACK OF PHYSICAL NECESSITIES (1-2) 1. Letâ s look at Psalm 23. It refers to a shepherd’s cup, which was a large, hollowed-out stone that could hold forty or fifty gallons and from which the sheep drank. In the terminology of the Old Testament, this was referred to as passing “under the rod”: Here the shepherd holds his rod over the sheep and counts each and every sheep that enter by the gate. Love Worth Finding PO Box 38300, Memphis, TN 38183 800-274-5683 This would have a … They are dumb, and innocent creatures incapable of defending themselves. In the light of the fourfold application of the shepherd’s rod, first, his word helps us to resist temptations, (Psalms 119:11). From a very young age, David was the shepherd of his father’s sheep. He makes me to lie down in green pastures 3. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We've learned about "green pastures" and "still waters" and even "paths of righteousness" or "straight paths". We're more prone to talk about God when we are in the green pastures and more prone to talk to God when we're in the dangerous ravine. Our family slept there, because the second floor was usually rented out for a tenant to help pay the rent. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with … Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. . Countless numbers of people throughout many generations have found hope in it in times of great fear and panic. David tells us his confidence came from three sources: In v. 4, David says, "Even 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 good explanation for each phrase and blessed by the message. Like Liked by 1 person. Reply. restoring the joy. she must be up to something. Up there were two bedrooms, a hallway, and a mysterious storage room for trunks that always smelled of mothballs and history. To add to it unlike dogs or other household animals sheep that falls on their back cannot get up unless someone roles them over and help them to stand on their feet. When Psalm 23 became personal. That Psalm is a clear prophecy of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. This is a favorite passage of many. Most of you are already familiar with this passage, but God has also brought you here today for a reason. He claims that the Lord is his Shepherd. The rod and the staff refer to a single instrument. I was blessed by the simplicity of the Truth. Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 20, 2020. based on 1 rating. May God inspire you more for writing more powerful sermons for us. The connection between vs. 3 and 4 confirm this: The path through the valley is also one of the paths of righteousness in which God leads. There’s a bumper sticker that says ‘There’s only one God so stop applying for his position’. Philip Keller is an Australian shepherd whose wonderful little book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 includes this observation about these barren valleys: "The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves, or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage point prey on his flock. 4-5 . I believe He has something important for you today, maybe even … MY SHEPHERD . "I thank God," says the one, "that ever I was born," because he can take the 23rd Psalm, and in the 23rd Psalm he can read the history of his inward life. Chorus Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All … Believe that He has good reasons for taking this route, even though it is hard and unfamiliar. 8:28). Written by David probably while he was still a shepherd tending his flock. . Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. NO LACK OF PHYSICAL NECESSITIES (1-2) 1. silence is not always golden. Blessings and peace be with you Sharon. ", Why does David switch from talking about God with 'He' to talking to God with 'You,' and why does it happen in v. 4? THE SHEPHERD'S PROVISION (23:1-3) A. He knows the way. You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. I received this outline (minus scriptures) along with this comment: “This is an eye opener; some probably never thought nor looked at this Psalm in this way, even though they say it over and over again.” I have really been blessed with the sermon. B. 824+. It is comforting in times of sorrow, encouraging in times of sickness and assuring as we journey day by day with Jesus, our Shepherd. David knows that this means he will not “want”, which most simply means he knows he will be taken care of by God. As we continue our study of psalms for when life hurts, I invite you to a familiar oasis where we will see that God is closer than you think in times of crisis. As you are turning to Psalm 23 .. Psalm 27. putting God first. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. C.  The Senses Bureau of  The United States says that there are at least 7.081 billion people in the world today. refreshing waters from a high hill. revive us again. The worshiper’s purification (Hebrews 10:2 … would have been cleansed once for all…), C. The worshiper’s guiltlessness (Hebrews 10:2-3 … would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. This verse describes the Lord’s faithfulness to his children … He would have oil and apply it to abrasions. The good was he unconsciously won the hearts of people in Israel. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Sermon Notes for Proverbs 1:7 Next Book → ← Back to Chuck Smith's Bio & Resources ← Back to all Commentaries. 4 Outlines . Sermon by Clive Anning – 17th September 2017. Next, David had to run for his own life, (1 Samuel 23:1-29). In Luke 22:61-62 Peter repented and Jesus restored him in John 21:15-17. God provided so well … The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not … "That bed in that room on the third floor seemed to be at the end of the earth, remote from human habitation, close to unexplained noises and dark secrets. In the first four verses of Ps. I am really inspired and blessed. And part of our fear is not about getting sick. And you need not fear. Psalm 23:1-6 How God Empowers Me is a sermon which shows from Psalm 23 how God can empower you through a personal relationship with Him. He spares himself no pains or trouble or time to keep an eye out for any danger that might develop.". Been set to a number of tunes over the years. The Shepherd fed David in peaceful green pastures. I pray that our God will give you more wisdom. Keep up the good work! There are places in Scripture that are powerful, so deep, that to recite them is to experience them. Oh my friend, when you find yourself weak, in the dark, uncertain of the future. There is meaning in both, and distinct meaning. Sermon Notes for Psalm 23 ← Prior Section. God shall not sustain the greed that destroys us, (Proverbs 30:8). But why would a sheep be going through such a place? Reply. He WILL MEET ALL MY NEEDS IF I TRUST HIM "The Lord is my shepherd, I will lack nothing." And the other man, though he had great ability and great genius, and had a long and wonderful life, which, however, nobody would say, or pretend to say, that he spent it in walking with God, he says, "I wish that I had never been born." He is married to Leeanne and is the father of Joey and Craig. This might generate the impression that God is selfishly concerned about his own name. David wrote this Psalm from personal experience because he too was a shepherd. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He learned things about God that could be learned no other way in the deep ravines of life. The sermon outline covers the following big ideas: Les Misérables gives us a strong picture of the difference between law and grace. (Rom . The valley is long and lonesome… Thou art with me. Being a youth I pray for spiritual maturity and will keep in touch with you. scenes of glory on a sea of gloom. Print.). Kenneth L. Wilson, Have Faith without Fear (Harper & Row, 1970), p. 54; from Timothy K Jones, Prayer's Apprentice (Word, forthcoming). However, animal sacrifices could not accomplish any of the above because, animal sacrifices were mere shadows of what was yet to come, (Hebrews 10:1) and were ineffective (Hebrews 10:1-2). We don’t need to worry about our needs because just like the Shepherd is aware of the needs of his flock and leads them to green pastures and still waters God also is aware of our needs, as well as how and where to meet them. He Exalts Me. How do you fight fear when you don't know what's going to happen next and your imagination is working overtime ? Intro: The Lord could have compared His people to anything in the world.He could have said, "My people are like bears, they are strong!" running for God. preaching the gospel. I feel secure and treasured. He knew well the responsibilities to the sheep. Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 34:23-31. . Likewise, David when he uses the metaphor of the Shepherd to describe God, talks not just about a designation or a name for the Lord, but the relationship between God and his covenant children. This verse describes the Lord’s faithfulness to his children even in times of great storms. He refreshed him with cool water from a quiet stream. Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 34:23-31. The promise of the Psalms 23 is that we will have everything we really need for a life worth living: I grow tired… He restores my soul. Today, this psalm is frequently used for comfort in eulogies and funerals. Nevertheless, he didn’t seek to retaliate or engage his enemies in his own strength. . And then, he closes by returning to third person: "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Susan says: March 22, 2020 at 4:56 pm . As one scholar said, "The psalm itself is green pasture; the psalm itself is still water; the psalm itself restores my soul." The Lord willing, I intend to add more outlines on various psalms sometime in the future. He believed that the battle and vengeance both belong to God, (1 Samuel 17:47; Romans 12:19). I’d like to take a few moments this morning to think about the 23rd Psalm. I and other pastors have come to this passage in almost every funeral preached. – Psalm 8:2 (highlight verse) ... Sermon Outline . While meditating on Psalm 23 today, I gained some brand new insights. Maybe there are some of you here today who haven’t fully experienced God’s shepherdly care in your life yet and you might wonder why? David's word for God's tender affection is a term used in the ancient world to mean love that flows out of deep emotion rather than duty. He leads me beside the still waters, He guard me each step of the way. I AM SAFE - Vss. Jesus is the good shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. I am at peace. As we begin this study, I want to remind you that every passage of Scripture has a key to its understanding, and in Psalm 23 David has hung the key right on the front door. This is another reason why Jesus told them the parable about “The Lost Sheep”  (Luke 15:3-7). Fear of failure or of the future. David tells us how to be fearless in adversity. Apart from the risk of a slippery foot, chances are high these ravines are inhabited by wild animals like Leopards. Lesson Series: Preparing for Water Baptism. You may ask me what does it mean to be a covenant child and how can I become one? The shepherd uses the rod to pull the sheep’s wool away from its skin to check for rashes, wounds, or defects. He … My father narrowly escaped death after an automobile accident and later that same year I almost lost my right leg. This morning I believe it’s worth finding out why David said God is his shepherd and why we can say the same today. He restores my soul. . There are many ways to approach this psalm. INTRODUCTION: We are in the middle of a three week series on this Psalm, and we are looking at what it means to have the Lord as your shepherd. Shalom. Psalm 23:1. Psalm 23 5 Message: Anointing Our Head with Oil Well, apparently toward the end of the day when the shepherd would lead his sheep back to the sheepfold he would check their heads for wounds and insects. In Keilah, Philistines fled before him. Notice that in the first three verses, David refers to God in the third person: "The Lord is my Shepherd. The prayer of the writer of Psalm 139, King David, showed that he obviously wanted to be in the centre of the will of God. PSALM 23 Psalm 23 is the favorite of most Christians. sing unto the Lord a new song. Every valley is pathway to something better. … A glance at one of the numerous Bible translation websites that provides lists of all the many translations shows very little difference from […] What was unnerving for Kenneth was that, as the youngest, he had to go to bed first, braving that floor of dark bedrooms. Sermon on Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd Psalms 23 – The Lord is Our Shepherd Intro – A few weeks ago my son woke up from sleep around 11PM. "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD." I AM SUPPLIED - Vss. A Powerful and Blessed Sermon. We're sorry, an error occurred. This is a famous psalm that is read at funerals. If animal sacrifices were futile why did God order the slaughter of innocent animals in the first place? He guides us in paths of righteousness for his own glory and reputation, (Matthew 5:16). The fields even parts of the desert would be green during the winter and spring. One of these structures is called chiastic (cross over) Today He fears nothing because he is aware of God’s protection over life. Anyone who receives him (including you) has the power to become a (covenant) child of God which entitles them to enjoy God’s shepherdly care in life, (John 1:12). C. What honor could David have earned if he allowed the flock to go in search of food on their own and thereby walk into their death? Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd. David wrote this Psalm from personal experience because he too was a shepherd. I’m anxious … Thy rod and thy staff will comfort me. He places others at the hands of a faithful servant and takes off searching for the lost one. Or as Paul put it, "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Writer Kenneth Wilson tells of growing up in Pittsburgh. The worshiper’s perfection (Hebrews 10:1 … make perfect those who draw near to worship…), B. Many of the Psalms have titles which either tell the occasion when the Psalm was written or the purpose of the Psalm. Inspector Javert: A life under law . He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. This was evident in the life of Peter. Lloyd Stilley is pastor of First Baptist Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Overcoming Fear. In this message I will be using the titles “God” and “Lord” interchangeably. He believed that valley times were appointed for His good. God wanted his people to realize that the wage of sin is death and it is stoppable by nothing other than the blood of a man who did not know sin. C. The overflowing cup literally means “My cup is an abundant drink”. COVID-19 is affecting all of us, and it has lots of people scared. Psalm 23:1-6. Love Worth Finding PO Box 38300, Memphis, TN 38183 800-274-5683 OUTLINE I. To violate the law was sinful and this caused punishment and separation from God which was amendable only through a sin offering (also called an animal sacrifice). To reflect on each phrase of the Psalm made me realise the wonderful relationship my God invites me to enjoy.