Sermon Central
-
What To Expect And Why
Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 17, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: This sermon examines the Psalmists’ expectations about life as recorded in Psalm 23. Because of the character of our God we should not be dreading tomorrow but anticipating it with great hope.
What to Expect and Why
5-26-02
Intro: Begin by Asking you to consider a QUESTION
What do you anticipate happening in Your Life in the Future?
What do you see coming your way in the days ahead?
1. We Live in a World that is Constantly Changing:
a. New Technology is rapidly changing our daily lives.
New discoveries in genetic engineering are taking place.
New experiments in cloning are underway that could radically impact us in future.
New computer technology continues to influence the way we live.
b. Sept. 11th last year was a day of significant change.
World events are happening every day in the Middle East that could prove very significant.
c. At a more Personal Level:
We have people here today who are graduating from school this month.
Others are planning a wedding.
Some families have just had a baby – Others have babies on the way.
d. Live Goes On. Time Marches on.
Where will it take us? What Does Tomorrow Hold for you & me?
2. This morning we want to Address those Questions Using Psalms 23 as Text:
Two Questions: What can we Expect in the Days Ahead?
Then Briefly: Why we can Expect that?
Please follow with me as we read Ps 23.
I. What we Can Expect in the days ahead:
1. We can Expect to have ALL OUR NEEDS MET!
verse 1 “…I shall not want…” David says.
a. Word translated “want” means: to Lack, to be without, to decrease or diminish, or to have a need. (1)
Living Bible: “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.”
b. There is not a promise here that we will get Everything we Want;
But is an ASSURANCE that God will take care of each & every need we have right now and in days ahead.
Phil 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
c. When Israel was in the wilderness God gave them Manna to eat. He brought forth water out of the Rock. There was an on going Provision even in circumstances that looked impossible.
Maybe you have a financial situation right now that looks impossible.
It’s not impossible for God. He owns Cattle on thousands hills.
He sits on the circle of earth and does whatever He chooses to do.
If Jehovah-jirah is your provider—you will be provided for—your needs will be met.
David said in Ps 37:25 “I have been young and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken nor his descendants begging bread.”
d. That means we don’t have to live in state of worry or dread about tomorrow--
worrying about whether we’re going to make ends meet--
worrying about whether will be able to pay the bills--
worrying about inflation rates, interest rates, stock market fluctuations.
There is a wisdom found in planning for the future-but worrying is not planning.
David is doing some good planning here in text.
I’m planning to be blessed. I’m not going to waste my life worrying about what might go wrong tomorrow.
Let tomorrow come—we have a God Who is big enough to handle whatever it may bring.
Therefore, 1st we can Expect Provision-- we can expect God to faithfully meet every need we may have.
2. We can expect to be REFRESHED & RESTORED!
verse 2 “He makes me to lie down in green
pastures, He leads me beside the still waters,
He Restores my soul…”
a. What is going to be Restored?
“my soul”—the real me inside of me—my emotional strength, my inner man
2 Cor 4:16-17 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Jesus said (Matt 11:28) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
b. Is there anybody here weary & heavy-laden? – any body Stressed out?
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” (Heb 4:9-10)
If we’re feeling stressed out and weary, what does Jesus tell us to do?
1. Come to Him. Don’t try to go it alone. “Cast all your care on Him
for He cares for you.”
2. Take His Yoke upon you. Come under His authority.
Come into His service.
Come into the place He has called you to take.
3. Learn from Him. He is meek & lowly.
A mindset of humility is conducive to rest.
A condition of heart where we’re not needing to prove anything to
ourselves or to others relieves a lot of unnecessary stress.
