He Leadeth Me

The Shepherd's Journey - Week 1

HE LEADS ME

Psalm 23:1-3

Psalm 32:8-9

Series Theme: The Shepherd's Journey Big Idea: God never intended for us to wander through life alone. The Good Shepherd knows the way and lovingly leads His people.

Key Thought: "The blessing is not knowing the path. The blessing is knowing the Shepherd."

Introduction

Every day we make decisions.

Some are small. Some are life-changing.

We all want to know:

What should I do?

Which direction should I go?

How can I know God's will?

David answers those questions in Psalm 23.

The Christian life was never intended to be a self-guided journey.

We are sheep.

The Lord is our Shepherd.

And a shepherd's responsibility is to lead.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)

The comfort of Psalm 23 is not that we know exactly where we're going.

The comfort is that the Shepherd does.

I. HE LEADS WITH PURPOSE

Psalm 23:2a

"He makes me lie down in green pastures."

A shepherd never wanders aimlessly.

Every step has purpose.

Every movement has intention.

God's leadership is never accidental.

He knows where He's taking you.

He knows what He's developing in you.

He knows what lies ahead.

Often we only see today's circumstance.

The Shepherd sees the entire journey.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."

Application

You may not understand your current season, but God is not leading you in circles.

He is leading you toward His purpose.

Statement:"God's guidance is always connected to God's purpose."

II. HE LEADS BESIDE STILL WATERS

Psalm 23:2b

"He leads me beside the still waters."

Sheep are fearful animals.

They will not drink from rushing water.

A good shepherd leads them to calm places where they can be refreshed.

God knows when we need:

Rest

Renewal

Refreshment

Peace

The Shepherd not only leads us forward. He leads us to places where our souls can breathe again.

Matthew 11:28

"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Application

Many believers are exhausted because they are trying to carry burdens they were never meant to carry.

The Shepherd knows where still waters can be found.

III. HE LEADS ACCORDING TO HIS PROMISES

Psalm 23:3

"He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

God never leads contrary to His Word.

His paths are:

Right paths

Righteous paths

Safe paths

Blessed paths

God's reputation is attached to His leadership.

He will never direct us away from His character or His truth.

Isaiah 30:21

"This is the way, walk in it."

Application

If it contradicts Scripture, it is not God's direction.

If it compromises integrity, it is not God's path.

The Shepherd always leads according to His promises.

IV. HE LEADS AND WE MUST FOLLOW

Psalm 32:8-9

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle..."

This passage reveals two important truths:

A. God Promises to Lead

Notice God's promise:

I will instruct you.

I will teach you.

I will guide you.

God is not trying to hide His will from His children.

He wants to lead them.

The issue is rarely God's willingness to guide.

The issue is our willingness to follow.

B. We Must Respond to His Leadership

David warns us not to be like a horse or mule.

A mule must be pulled.

A horse must be forced.

But sheep willingly follow the shepherd's voice.

God is not looking for reluctant followers.

He is looking for responsive followers.

Statement:"God guides those who are responsive, not resistant."

How Does the Shepherd Lead Us?

1. Through His Word

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

God's primary method of guidance is Scripture.

Many people are looking for signs when they should be looking in God's Word.

If God has already spoken in Scripture, we don't need another answer.

Application

Before asking, "What do I want?"

Ask, "What does God's Word say?"

2. Through His Spirit

Romans 8:1

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."

The Holy Spirit guides believers daily.

He:

Convicts

Directs

Warns

Encourages

Leads

The closer we walk with God, the more clearly we recognize His voice.

3. Through the Inward Witness

The Holy Spirit lives inside every believer.

Sometimes there is a deep peace.

Sometimes there is a hesitation.

Sometimes there is an inward check.

Colossians 3:15

"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts."

The inward witness often helps confirm God's direction.

Never ignore what the Spirit is saying in your heart.

4. Through Godly People

Proverbs 11:14

"In the multitude of counselors there is safety."

God often speaks through:

Pastors

Mentors

Spiritual leaders

Mature believers

Wise friends

Many important decisions have been confirmed through godly counsel.

God frequently uses people to help us hear what He's already been saying.

The Good Shepherd

Psalm 23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

John 10:11

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

Jesus:

Leads us by His Word.

Guides us by His Spirit.

Speaks through the inward witness.

Uses godly people to strengthen our faith.

Gave His life so we could follow Him.

Conclusion

The question is not:

"Do I know the way?"

The question is:

"Am I following the Shepherd?"

Because the Shepherd has promised:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go."

(Psalm 32:8)

He leads through:

His Word

His Spirit

His inward witness

Godly people

The safest place in life is not where we have all the answers.

The safest place in life is walking close to the Shepherd.

Invitation

Perhaps you're facing decisions today.

Maybe you're uncertain about the future.

Maybe you've been trying to lead yourself.

The Shepherd is still speaking.

The Shepherd is still guiding.

The Shepherd is still calling.

Will you trust Him enough to follow?

Closing Thought

"The blessing is not knowing the path. The blessing is knowing the Shepherd."

Next Week: He Restores My Soul The Shepherd who guides us is also the Shepherd who heals us, restores us, and walks with us through every valley.