October 7 lesson
A Closer Look at a Familiar Psalm
Text: Psalm 23:4-6
Purpose: To realize the greatness of this psalm that we all have known and quoted for many years.
Introduction: A quick look at last week (v 1-3.) This psalm is possibly the most-quoted passage of Scripture besides John 3:16. So many times, we quote famous passages, but we forget the significance of the words. The Lord really should be our shepherd; he really does restore my soul. Many times we just quote this psalm, but the words are amazing and relevant for us today.
Body:
”The Courage from the Lord.” (v 4)
The “valley of the shadow of death” is not a pleasant place for us to find ourselves. David acknowledges these places, and he makes sure he acknowledges the courage he receives from the Lord. There are a variety of situations the devil can place us in. Sometimes the devil tempts us with things that we find difficult to resist. Sometimes the devil brings circumstances in our lives that we cannot control. Whatever “valley” we find ourselves in, let’s face them with courage from the Lord.
“The Correction from the Lord." (v 4)
Notice the key words….”thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” I have never really thought about a rod and a staff comforting me before. I have been in some uncomfortable situations that involved these “weapons” in my childhood! My mom always seemed to spank harder than my dad!?! God corrects us in order for us to realize that He is still there. How comforting! If I could sin and not feel bad about it, or if I could sin and not experience the chastening of the Lord, I would feel very uncomfortable. I am glad that God punishes me when I sin. His punishment lets me know that He is there, and that is the most comforting thing in this world.
“The Constant Support from the Lord.” (v 5)
This is a very interesting verse. Notice that David realized that he would not escape the presence of his enemies. They will still be there, but God will prepare a table for us IN THEIR PRESENCE! What a great truth! Our God will support us while our enemies have to sit there and watch. I would like to think that “preparing a table” would mean that God may do something extra special for us, maybe even spoil us…..all in the presence of our enemies. What a great God we serve!
“The Continual Blessings of the Lord.” (v 6)
I am glad that goodness will follow me, but I am REALLY glad that mercy will follow me all the days of my life. I need it. We all need it. Not only will the Lord bless us in this life, be David lets us know of our blessing in heaven. What a victorious life we can live! Not only will goodness and mercy follow us here on earth, but we get to dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Conclusion: What a great psalm. I have really enjoyed studying it and learning what God has for us. There are several amazing truths here that we can claim in our lives!
Text: Psalm 23:4-6
Purpose: To realize the greatness of this psalm that we all have known and quoted for many years.
Introduction: A quick look at last week (v 1-3.) This psalm is possibly the most-quoted passage of Scripture besides John 3:16. So many times, we quote famous passages, but we forget the significance of the words. The Lord really should be our shepherd; he really does restore my soul. Many times we just quote this psalm, but the words are amazing and relevant for us today.
Body:
”The Courage from the Lord.” (v 4)
The “valley of the shadow of death” is not a pleasant place for us to find ourselves. David acknowledges these places, and he makes sure he acknowledges the courage he receives from the Lord. There are a variety of situations the devil can place us in. Sometimes the devil tempts us with things that we find difficult to resist. Sometimes the devil brings circumstances in our lives that we cannot control. Whatever “valley” we find ourselves in, let’s face them with courage from the Lord.
“The Correction from the Lord." (v 4)
Notice the key words….”thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” I have never really thought about a rod and a staff comforting me before. I have been in some uncomfortable situations that involved these “weapons” in my childhood! My mom always seemed to spank harder than my dad!?! God corrects us in order for us to realize that He is still there. How comforting! If I could sin and not feel bad about it, or if I could sin and not experience the chastening of the Lord, I would feel very uncomfortable. I am glad that God punishes me when I sin. His punishment lets me know that He is there, and that is the most comforting thing in this world.
“The Constant Support from the Lord.” (v 5)
This is a very interesting verse. Notice that David realized that he would not escape the presence of his enemies. They will still be there, but God will prepare a table for us IN THEIR PRESENCE! What a great truth! Our God will support us while our enemies have to sit there and watch. I would like to think that “preparing a table” would mean that God may do something extra special for us, maybe even spoil us…..all in the presence of our enemies. What a great God we serve!
“The Continual Blessings of the Lord.” (v 6)
I am glad that goodness will follow me, but I am REALLY glad that mercy will follow me all the days of my life. I need it. We all need it. Not only will the Lord bless us in this life, be David lets us know of our blessing in heaven. What a victorious life we can live! Not only will goodness and mercy follow us here on earth, but we get to dwell in the house of the Lord forever!
Conclusion: What a great psalm. I have really enjoyed studying it and learning what God has for us. There are several amazing truths here that we can claim in our lives!
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