Mini- Sermon on Psalms 23

The LORD is my shepherd

I confidently state that I belong to the Lord. That to him I am as a sheep and he is my Shepherd and he cares for, watches over and preserves me.

I shall not want.

The Lord knows what I need and makes sure I receive it. As a simple sheep I don't even know what I need or have a want for anything because I am always cared for.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures

Ezek 34:14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

He leadeth me

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Instead of forcibly, roughly controlling  or pushing from behind this is tenderly, gently leading from the front by loving example or encouragement with his voice that I, his sheep, recognize.

Beside the still waters.

Sheep are afraid of the sound of raging waters. They might fall in and be lost. Instead, this water is still and comforting that sheep may refresh contentedly. Again, this is another promise, that Jesus would send the Holy Ghost that we may have comfort.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

He restoreth my soul

As sheep who have gone astray or souls who have rotted and become vile with sin we are washed clean.

Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

Prov 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment

Sheep don't know the way. Without the Shepherd all paths lead to death and destruction.

For his name's sake.

Ps 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

Ezek 20:14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

For the name of God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, all things are possible. Because of his grace and mercy his path is the only righteous path. Because he is the Good Shepherd, who loves us as a Father loves his children.

Yea, though I walk

I walk because I follow a Shepherd who knows the only right path. I am in no hurry to move in front and go the wrong way.

Through the valley

A valley is surrounded by higher elevations that prevent one from knowing how far to go or what course to take. This could be the low point of the journey when doubt causes one to stumble because it's hard to see where one is going.

Of the shadow of death

It's dark, hard to be aware of the dangers that are all about me so I feel alone and afraid of all I hear and see and don't see. I am chilled to the bone and shaking so bad I'm my own enemy.

I will fear no evil

Ps 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Ps 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

There is reason to not allow anything to cause me worry or calamity or chaos.

For thou art with me

Acts 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Lev 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

With his staff the Shepherd guides his flock to green pastures, and protects them from danger. He corrects them when disobedient, and returns them when they wander.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies

Isa 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

Ps 104:15 And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

With no rush or chaos or disturbance, though the enemy may be round about, God prepares a table, and Christians are seated and eat in joyful peace.

Thou anointest my head with oil

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

This is another promise fulfilled. The Holy Ghost is sent to verify the Truth.

My cup runneth over.

Lk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life

2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ps 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

2 Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

John14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.