Explores God's character as our Providing Shepherd, Protector of the Flock, and Promise Keeper, encouraging trust in His wisdom and goodness.
Good morning, dear friends. How wonderful it is to gather together in this sacred space, where we can find solace, strength and, most importantly, the presence of our Lord. Today, we turn our hearts and minds towards a well-known, yet ever profound, piece of scripture - Psalm 23. This passage, though familiar, never ceases to reveal new truths and promises to those who approach it with open hearts and minds.
In this Psalm, we find three main points that we will be focusing on today. The first is God as our Providing Shepherd, the second as our Protector of the Flock, and the third as our Promise Keeper. These are not mere titles or roles; they are the very essence of who our God is.
Charles Spurgeon, a man of great wisdom and deep faith, once wrote, "God is too good to be unkind and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart." This quote beautifully encapsulates the themes we will be discussing today. Even in the moments when we cannot see His work, we must have faith in His character, for He is our shepherd, our protector, and our promise keeper.
In the opening lines of this Psalm, we find a profound declaration: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This is a bold statement of faith and trust, a recognition of God's provision in our lives. When we think of a shepherd, we think of someone who cares for his flock, who ensures that they have everything they need to thrive. This is the image that the Psalmist paints of our God. He is not a distant, uninvolved deity, but a caring shepherd who provides for our every need.
The shepherd's role is not a passive one: He actively seeks out green pastures for his flock, places where they can rest and be nourished. In the same way, God actively seeks out what is best for us. He guides us to places of rest and nourishment, places where our souls can be restored. This is not a random, aimless wandering, but a purposeful journey guided by the loving hand of our Shepherd.
A sense of abundance: The Psalmist writes, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over." This is not a meager, just-enough-to-get-by kind of provision, but an overflowing, more-than-enough kind of provision. God doesn't just meet our needs; He exceeds them. He doesn't just provide for us; He lavishes His love and blessings upon us.
Our spiritual needs: This provision is not just for our physical needs. The Psalmist also speaks of God leading him "in the paths of righteousness." This speaks to God's provision for our spiritual needs. He guides us in the way we should go, leading us in paths of righteousness, not for our sake, but for His name's sake. This is a reminder that God's provision is not just about meeting our needs, but about bringing glory to His name.
What God looks like: We see a picture of a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, a God who cares for us as a shepherd cares for his flock. He provides for our needs, guides us in the right paths, and blesses us abundantly. This is the God we serve, the God we worship, the God we love. And this is the God who loves us, who provides for us, who guides us, and who blesses us. This is our Providing Shepherd.
As we continue to reflect on the nature of God as revealed in Psalm 23, we find ourselves drawn to the image of God as our Protector ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
Sermon Central
