The Lord Is My Shepherd David is speaking with a sense of gratitude about his relationship with the Lord. “The Lord is MY shepherd.” He is my owner, I belong to Him and He is mine. He controls my life and I listen to His voice. Do you know His directions? (John 10:4) Do you listen to His voice? (John 10:27) The Lord IS my shepherd. Present tense Not The Lord WAS my shepherd 5/25/2015 1

I Shall Not Want The rest of the Psalm is cited as evidence of this statement. The Lord is providing for our needs. Psalm 34:10; Phil. 4:19; The difference between WANTS and NEEDS Not a guarantee that we will be provided for all physical wants. Instead a fulfillment of spiritual NEED. 2 Tim.3:16-17; Phil. 4:13; Eph. 1:3; Col. 2:10; 5/25/2015 2

He Makes Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures He makes me to lie. Not a violation of free will. The provision is so appealing that the sheep are drawn to act in the way the Shepherd has prepared. Sheep will not lie down unless completely satisfied. This is a picture of one fully satisfied with the Lord’s spiritual provision. (Matt. 5:6; John 6:27) 5/25/2015 3

He Leads Me Beside the Still Waters Still waters: Sheep will not drink from rushing, roaring streams. They will only drink where the water is calm. Still waters bring to mind peace, serenity, calmness that comes from following God. Phil. 4:6-7; John 14:27; John 16:33; 5/25/2015 4

He Restores My Soul The Psalmist speaks of himself as “cast down”. (Psalm 42:11) Cast sheep Describes a sheep rolled on its back and cannot get up without help. The Lord seeks the lost sheep. (Luke 15:3 ff.) What is our reaction to cast sheep? 1 Cor. 10:12; Prov. 16:18 Will we allow ourselves to be used as God’s tool in restoration? Gal. 6:1 5/25/2015 5

He Leads Me in the Paths of Righteousness for His Name Sake Shepherds are not cowboys. (John 10:4) Our Shepherd has gone out before us. He left us an example (1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 11:1) He knows about our temptations. (Heb. 4:15) He is not going to lead us to be tempted above that which we are able. (1 Cor. 10:13) Why do we go our own way? (Isa. 53:6) Jesus says, “Follow Me” (Ref. Matt. 4:19) Do we walk by sight and not by faith? (2 Cor. 5:7) 5/25/2015 6

Even Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death Palestine had many dangerous valleys and passes. Rock slides were common when the rains came. Those dark valleys might be viewed as death’s valleys. The sheep will not fear because “Thou art with me.” Can we tread through the dark places of life without fear? 5/25/2015 7

They Rod and Thy Staff Comfort Me The rod: Was a shepherd’s weapon. Symbol of power, authority and defense. Ref. Ex. 4:17; Hebrews 13:5-6 The staff: Crooked on one end. Used for guidance. To lift up fallen sheep or keep sheep on the path. Matt. 9:36; John 11:35; 5/25/2015 8

Thou Dost Prepare a Table Before Me A table for sheep? How would the shepherd prepare such a table? Pulling up what is deadly (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-11) Providing a healthy diet (Gal. 5:22 ff.; 2 Pet. 1:3; Rev. 22:18-19) We are to guard our provision (Jude 3) 5/25/2015 9

Thou Hast Anointed My Head with Oil Anointing oil was used: In manifesting hospitality (Luke 7:44-46) Anointing kings (1 Sam. 10:1) Anointing priest (Ex. 30:30) The Christ = Anointed One. (Psa. 2:2) Oil had a medicinal purpose. Our shepherd has shown us how to behave when injured. (Matt. 18:15-17) Our shepherd has shown us how to overcome injury without sin. (1 Pet. 2:21-25) Truly our cup runs over! (2 Peter 1:4) Will we allow bumps and burses to cause bitterness and rebellion in our hearts? 5/25/

Surely Goodness and Mercy Will Follow Me All the Days of My Life Confidence in future provision is the result of prior knowledge. We will continue to enjoy His provision as long as we do not wander off into sin. (1 Cor. 10:12-13; Rom. 8:31-39) What about bad experiences? Did they turn out well? Did they turn out for our betterment? (James 1:2-4; Rom. 8:28) 5/25/

I Shall Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever Continued fellowship depends upon you. (Romans 6:23) Will you be in the fold or in the wilderness of sin? 5/25/