Exposistion of Psalm 23

I. We Are to Trust the Leadership & Protection of God Through All of Life (Psalm 1-5)

a. He Provides the Leadership we Need (Psalm 1-3)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Spurgeon describes it this way “No one can trust providence (Or God’s plan) till he distrusts himself”

i. He Leads Us to Places of Rest (Psalm 23:2a ) He makes me lie down in green pastures.

ii. He Leads Us to Places of Nourishment (Psalm 23:2b) He leads me beside still waters

iii. He Leads Us Individually Back to The Fold (Psalm 23:3a) He restores my soul.

iv. He Leads Us in Righteousness for His Glory (Psalm 23:3b) He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake

Transition: He is with us not only leading in the good but also in the hardships of life.

b. Throughout Our Life He Provides the Protection We Need (Psalm 4-5)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c] I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

i. He Fights Our Battles (Psalm 23:4b) your rod and

The rod was used to fight off animals

ii. He Guides Us Through the Battles (Psalm 23:4b) your staff, they comfort me.

The staff would help individual sheep & also at night the staff would be used to count the flock

iii. He Protects us from Future Danger (Psalm 23:5a) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

A table is reference to the “hill country”. To protect the flock while they ate & slept the Shepard would build a stone wall surrounding them. Through the night the Shepard would sleep at the entry being the door.

iv. He Treats Our Wounds (Ministers to us) (Psalm 23:5b) you anoint my head with oil

A shepherd would examine the flock

v. He Provides Nourishment Even Here (Psalm 23:5b) my cup overflows.

A shepherd would bring a large cup full of water for the thirsty

Transition: Not only does God lead and protect us He also Provides

II. We Have a Promises We Can Hope In! (Psalm 23:6)

a. We Have Hope in This Life (Psalm 23:6a) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

b. We Have Hope in Life After Death (Psalm 23:6b) and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Application Illustration: Lucy Following Asland in Prince Caspian.