Text: PSALM 23
By: ADEOYE, EMMANUEL (EVANG.)
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With Growth Of Anxiety In Our World, We Have Also Learned About The Power Of Gratitude And Thankfulness.
One Of The Many Solution To Anxiety Is Gratitude
When we are thankful for all we have in our life it silence the voice that tells us that our lives are less than or inadequate. When we have nothing else we have Jesus. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I HAVE ALL I NEED PSALM 23:1 (NLT).
The verb is a participle and means “is shepherding me.” Eastern shepherds guarded their sheep, led them, provided food and water for them, took care of them when they were weary, bruised, cut or sick, rescued them when they strayed, knew their names, assisted in delivering the lambs, and in every way simply loved them.
In the Holy Land, pastures were lush and green following the rainy season but this didn’t last all year. There were no fences, the land was rough and dangerous, abounding with wild animals and snakes, and the helpless flock needed constant oversight. Even if he didn’t own the sheep, the shepherd treated them as if they were his and had to give an accounting for any that were missing. Our Lord called believers “my sheep” because He died for them (1 Peter 1:18-19) and because the Father gave them to Him (John 17:12).
The emphasis in verses 1-3 is that Jesus is adequate for every need the sheep may have as they are in the pasture. Primarily, they need food (grass), water, rest, and a shepherd who knows where to lead them. When God’s people follow their Shepherd, they have all that they need and will not lack the necessities of life (37:25; Matt 6:33; Phil 4:19). Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams.
Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst. You can read verse 2 “beside the stilled water.” In heaven, our Shepherd will lead us to fountains of living water (Rev. 7:17). The word translated “lead” in verse 2 means “to lead gently.” You cannot drive sheep. The sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and follow him, just as we listen to Christ in His Word and obey Him (John 10:3-5,16,27).
If a sheep goes astray, the shepherd leaves the flock in charge of his helpers and goes to find the lost animal. (See Matt 9:36; 18:12-14; and Luke 15:3-7.) The word “paths” in verse 3 means “well-worn paths, ruts.” When sheep start to explore an exciting new path, it will lead them into trouble. “Do not be carried about by varied and strange teachings” (Heb 13:9, NASB).
God cares for us because He loves us and wants us to glorify Him (“for his name’s sake”). The shepherd cares for the sheep because he loves them and wants to maintain his own good reputation as a faithful shepherd.
CONCLUSION
HYMN
728B
“OUR GOD, HE IS ALIVE”
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