Dwelling with Yahweh
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
“Psalm 23, Antithesis” -Marcia Hornok
The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.
It makes me lie down only when exhausted.
It leads me to deep depression.
It hounds my soul.
It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity’s sake.
Even though I run frantically from task to task,
I will never get it all done.
For my “ideal” is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.
They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.
They anoint my head with migraines.
My in-basket overflows.
Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.
CONNECTION
We all deal with anxiety, stress, and fear in certain situations in our life. The degree may vary, but the solution is the same (clinical issues may need something extra).
TAKE HOME
As a child of God, I am faithfully led by Jesus, who chooses paths that advance my growth and well-being.
MESSAGE FOCUS
Scripture Introduction
My Shepherd: Yahweh
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Everything a shepherd entails.
Everything Yahweh entails.
My needs: Met
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Confident that He will provide us with everything we need.
My location: Perfect
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Normalcy of life and when there is a change.
My condition: restored
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
I’m no longer who I once was.
My walk: Righteous
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
When we are led by the shepherd, every path is the right path.
My state: Peace
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.
Because of Yahweh’s presence, protection, and direction, Evil will not prevail when we travel the dark, uncharted paths before us. For we have Yahweh’s protection and guidance.
My destination: The House of Yahweh
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Care & Loyalty
Care & Loyalty
Parliamentary Procedure
Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
Tov (Goodness): Beneficial qualities; well-being
Hesed (Mercy): Loyal love; unfailing (steadfast); deeds of kindness- based on a relationship.
These do not flow from God, they are who God is. Yahweh, who is goodness and merciful, is with me all the days of my life, therefore, I experience these attributes.
Follow me
Looking back, in every circumstance (pasture, valleys), was the unfailing love of God and His goodness.
It is not our enemies in pursuit, but God.
We must keep our eyes on our shepherd or we will miss the goodness and mercy (greener grass or weeds).
Sometimes it is only when we look back, that we can notice them.
“I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but I’m glad I did go through it.”
All the days
We have this certainty, because “Yahweh is my shepherd”, “He is with me”.
*APPLICATION
No matter what you’re experiencing, know that goodness and mercy are also present.
*IMPLEMENTATION
Are you content?
Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””
Instead of looking back on the hardship to see the goodness and mercy of God, look for it now.
Stop looking at the weeds in the pasture and notice the green grass.
What are the beneficial qualities in your current situation?
How are you experiencing God’s unfailing love in your current situation?
*REFLECTION
If you struggle to see goodness and mercy in your current hardship, reflect on an area where you have hindsight.
In your journey through life, where have you seen God’s goodness and mercy?
Identity and Fidelity
Identity and Fidelity
Dale & Beth Gerig - Karen (14yr Sturgis) (20 Pennsylvania) (Indian 18) (1989-2017)
Bud & Pauline Hirschy - Jon
Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The house stands for the one who lives there.
Hotel vs. Home
We are not just taken to His house for a visit, we are taken into His house to live there.
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Forever
We will be honored guest (v. 5) for time everlasting.
This will outweigh any duration of hardship experienced on earth.
Warren Wiersbe- “Under the old covenant, the sheep died for the shepherd, but under the new covenant, the Shepherd died for the sheep.”
*APPLICATION
I’m not just cared for like a sheep, I’m a member of Yahweh’s household.
I belong
I have value
*IMPLEMENTATION
John 8:31–32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
Given Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, the only thing that can hold you back is your unbelief or self-reliance.
Summary
As a child of God, I am faithfully led by Jesus, who chooses paths that advance my growth and well-being as I dwell in His presence now and forevermore.
Implementation
Jesus is faithfully shepherding you. Embrace the pastures where He invites you to rest, and rely on His guidance and protection through every hardship. Trust that He will heal every wound this world inflicts, that every path He leads you on is the right one, and that He will provide for your every need along the journey.
