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Part 2: When God Takes Over

PSALMS - PART 2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PSALM 23

  • This is a psalm about the Good Shepherd.  

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NKJV)

WHEN GOD TAKES OVER

1.   EXPECT SOME CONFUSION.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures…”

Psalm 23:1-2a (NKJV)

“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’”                                      Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)

  • God’s “No’s” are never random.


2.   EXPECT TO BE LED GENTLY.

“...He leads me beside the still waters.”       Psalm 23:2b (NKJV)

  • God takes into account our limitations.


3.   EXPECT A BLESSING.

“He restores my soul...”

Psalm 23:3a (NKJV)


“‘Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’ declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?...For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone,’ declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Repent and live!’”

Ezekiel 18:23,32 (NIV)

  • God is in the restoration business - judgment is always the last resort.


4.   EXPECT TO BE LED CLEARLY.

“...He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”  Psalm 23:3b (NKJV)

  • God is much more concerned about who we are, than where we are. 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)


5.   EXPECT DARK VALLEYS TO EVENTUALLY LEAD TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Psalm 23:4-6 (NKJV)


NEXT STEPS: 

  • Say it with me: The Lord is my shepherd.

  • Thank God for restoring me in so many ways.

  • Learn more about being in a group.

  • Send me more information about being baptized on October 18th. 

  • Reading Plan: YouVersion® Bible App - “Psalm 23 - The Shepherd With Me” (7-day plan).

 
PsalmsDr. John GerlachPsalms