LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd.

It is so fitting that Pastor Moore of NorthRock Church finishes this series on the Psalms with Psalm 23. It follows the message Pastor Ed Newton shared about Jesus being “the door” to the Sheep pen or to heaven. Pastor Moore said David was writing about his own experiences as a shepherd and with the Shepherd. “Being called sheep [Believers] is not necessarily a compliment as sheep are curious, but dumb animals. They can’t learn, are not good with directions, and wander away,” said Pastor. He continued, “Shepherds have to keep an eye on the sheep continually. The shepherd protects the sheep from danger and from themselves; don’t forget David fought a lion and a bear while protecting his sheep.”

His first point was that all the words of Psalm 23 are written to define the first two – “The Lord”. David knew from personal experience that God shepherds His people. “Never forget that God is taking care of us, is watching out for us, and never takes a day off. He never changes!” (Pastor Moore). God took care of David’s every need; he wrote, “I shall not want.” As a shepherd, he took care of the needs of his sheep. Believers can be sure of this as well; God listens to our prayers, and in time of need He will take care of us. One of the names for God is Jehovah-Jireh – “the Lord will provide”.

“I have all I need – not want but need!” (Pastor Moore’s second point). Veres 2 and 3 tells us God makes His sheep lie in green pastures, leads us beside still waters, restores our soul, and leads us on the path of righteousness – for his name’s sake. “David is trying to tell those who read this Psalm not to worry. Life is filled with ‘what ifs’. The original Greek for worry meant ‘to divide the mind’, which means worrying over tomorrow’s problems while in today.” (Pastor Moore). Jesus asked the question in Matthew 6;27, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” Being anxious or worrying is to be torn apart by circumstances according to God’s Word. How does one overcome worry? “The answer is found in these three verses: God is your Shepherd, He leads you.” (Pastor Moore).

As I listened to this message, the question of how God guides me, leads me, restores me, and gives me contentment came to my mind. When one is saved, the Believer is given the Holy Spirit to lead and guide, convict him/her of sin. I know since Jesus saved me, I have an intense desire to study His Word. That was almost 49 years ago, and I still have that intense desire. Through His Word He directs and leads me. He also has set me on a narrow path (a path of His righteousness) where He continues to make me more like Him each day and the Holy Spirit continues to convict me of sin. Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.” Believers can come boldly to the Lord because “they know they will not be turned away; they never have to hide or omit anything from their prayers”. (David Jeremiah). Pastor Moore’s third point was He chooses your path” [I call it the narrow way].

Pastor Moore finished this message with verse 6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” David is expressing a conviction that each Believer can join him in. The Lord’s goodness will be with him forever! His unfailing love will be with Believer’s even when “Going through the valley of the shadow of death”. Believers can know that nothing will separate them from the love of God and the circumstance faced will help them grow closer to the Lord and His unfailing love. Believers can also know that walking with “the Lord”, our Shepherd makes their life worthwhile and blessed, and when we walk into Heaven, we will be with Him forever!