PSALM 23 AS A PSALM OF DEPENDENCE ON GOD

Let's Pray:

Lord speak through me Today. 

Begin with July 4th Celebration,  Independence and Dependence. Discuss the role of dependence in our physical lives.

SNAP, CHILD SUPPORT, DOCTORS AND PHARMACIES, GOVT, TEACH. Even though we say we are independent but we rely on others for help.

The 5 year old mess, sweeping....in human terms, children are meant to grow from dependence to Independence. 

In our relationship with God, Maturity in Christ means Dependence on God in Prayer. Let's examine one of the profound ways the Lord has given us, His promise and Scriptural connection that assure us of our dependence physically and spiritually .

Everybody knows Psalm 23. 

Why is it so important?

How does it apply to our lives as Believers?

Psalm 23 has over the years inspired a lot of us as it gives hope, assurance and guidance. Many of us have sought to draw inspiration from this passage as a source of protection from our enemies. This memorized passage continues to remain universally relevant as it has been acclaimed as a source of comfort to many of us.

Let’s examine this powerful passage as it will seek to reveal the unconditional love that God has for mankind by constantly meeting our needs, even during our dark valley experiences.

Who wrote Psalm 23?

According to the Holy Book, the Bible, Psalm 23 was written by King David who grew up tending sheep as his father was also a Shepherd.  In this Psalm, David expresses his great confidence and delight in the constant protection of a loving God.

What does Psalm 23 KJV (King James Version) say?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

What does Psalm 23 NIV (New International Version) say?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What does Psalm 23 ESV (English Standard Version) say?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even 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 overflows.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell the house of the forever.

Why is Psalm 23 so important?

Psalm 23 is important because it is about God's protection. Whether an individual is deeply connected to God, have wandered away from the fold or is seeking comfort in a higher being, this Psalm is normally selected as a passage of hope. Jesus says in His words that “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11. This shows the devoted love and care that Jesus has towards mankind in ensuring their comfort and safety.

Cross Reference: Israelites and Manner in the Desert-Dependence and Responsibility.

Jesus is the good Shepherd and hence, many of us especially believers find it quite easy to connect with Psalm 23, as we are already aware that Jesus is our Shepherd.

What is the meaning of Psalm 23?

The meaning of Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude to a loving God in a painful world. David expresses confidence and trust in the Lord by portraying God as a good “Shepherd” who both guides and blesses them. God's goodness means that they have nothing to fear: whatever happens to them, God will be with them. Below is an in-depth meaning of each verse in Psalm 23.

The Lord is depicted as a shepherd to His sheep. Sheep are animals that are very dependent on human beings for everything. The word SHEEP is a metaphor for DEPENDENCE, If the Lord is depicted as a Shepherd, it shows how dependent we are on Him for everything.

Special Analysis of the Contents of Psalm 23 and its Elements on Dependence.

1. Depend on the voice of God for your needs.

The LORD is my shepherd; I SHALL NOT WANT.--Psalm 23:1

“I shall not want” is what we will say after we have followed the Shepherd for some time! We will be able to say with David, “I have no needs I am blessed in every way.” In order to experience this, we must follow the leading of the Spirit.

2. Depend on the Holy Spirit for our marriage and home.

He maketh me to LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES: he leadeth me BESIDE THE STILL WATERS.--Psalm 23:2

Green pasture speaks of peace and happiness. It speaks of the marriages we all desire. We will never have true happiness unless we marry the person God wants us to marry. If we allow Him, the Holy Spirit will lead us to a peaceful marriage.

3. Depend on the voice of God for the right church.

He restoreth my soul: HE LEADETH ME in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

--Psalm 23:3

This Scripture shows how dependent we are on God’s guidance for righteous living. Many of us end up as fruitless nonentities in the Kingdom of God because we are under the wrong leadership. It is so important to be led by the Spirit when choosing a church. It makes all the difference in the world! Most definitely, this is one of the important areas where we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

4. Depend on the voice of God for physical and divine protection.

I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL: FOR THOU ART WITH ME; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.--Psalm 23:4

The psalmist made it clear that he was dependent on the Shepherd for protection. He explained how the Lord’s protection was so powerful that he was able to eat lunch when his enemy was nearby.

Everything that we do on this earth is in His hand. We move everyday, going to school, work, appointments, travelling by air, train, boat, car, horses etc

He protects us in so many ways that we hardly see because most of the protections are super natural.

Show the Bolivia Video-Valley of Death and the Little Girl 

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5. Depend on the voice of God for the Anointing.

…thou ANOINTEST my head with oil; my cup runneth over.-- Psalm 23:5

Our anointing comes from God via Men of God. The anointing will not come from Heaven per se. God will have to direct us to relate with anointed men of God. Jesus told His disciples, “Follow me and I will make you…” Without following the right person we will not mature in the ministry. Surely, we depend on the voice of God to lead us.

6. Depend on the voice of God for the good things of this life.

Surely GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow me all the days of my life:...--Psalm 23:6

 Without the grace of God, we will never make it to the top. The success we see in school, our work, and great destiny helpers we have in our lives is the work of God. The silver and gold belong to the Lord, Haggai 2:8. If you seek His face, He will show you where it is hidden.

7. Depend on the voice of God to make it to Heaven.

…and I will DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOR EVER.--Psalm 23:6.

Do we want to dwell in the house of the Lord forever? As we follow the Spirit of God, He will lead us on the path of righteousness. This will eventually lead to Heaven. We need the Shepherd to take us from the green pastures all the way to those eternal gates.

8. Depend on the voice of God to fulfill our Commission and ministry.

…he leadeth me in the PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS for his name’s sake.--Psalm 23:3.

We are alive on this earth to fulfill our commission and ministry! This is the reason why God created and saved us. If we do not fulfill our commission ministry, we would then have missed our whole purpose for this life!

Conclusion:

Summarize the Elements:

1. Depend on the voice of God for your needs.

2. Depend on the Holy Spirit for our marriage and home.

3. Depend on the voice of God for the right church.

4. Depend on the voice of God for physical and divine protection.

5. Depend on the voice of God for the Anointing.

6. Depend on the voice of God for the good things of this life.

7. Depend on the voice of God to make it to Heaven.

8. Depend on the voice of God to fulfill our Commission and ministry.

As we face our worldly storms and challenges, let’s remember that God is our best ally and protector, provider and promise keeper. He strengthens us when we’re willing to “serve up” a whole-hearted commitment to Him.

Let's Pray:

Lord, You do take our breath away with Your greatness. Thank You for reminding us of Your grandeur, majesty, power and authority in Your world and in Your Word. 

Lord, we want our faith to be strengthened so that we can focus and trust You more fully.

EXTRA

The LORD is my shepherd;  (God desires RELATIONSHIP)

I shall not want (He PROVIDES every need so I’m lacking nothing)

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;  (He gives REST)

He leads me beside the still waters. (He gives REFRESHMENT)

He restores my soul; (He provides HEALING)

He leads me in the paths of righteousness (He offers GUIDANCE)

For His name’s sake.  (He gives PURPOSE)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (TRIALS may come)

I will fear no evil; (He PROTECTS)

For You are with me;  (He is FAITHFUL)

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (He DISCIPLINES)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (He offers HOPE)

You anoint my head with oil; (He SANCTIFIES)

My cup runs over. (He gives ABUNDANCE)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me  (He BLESSES)

All the days of my life; (He’s with us ALWAYS)

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD  (He provides SECURITY)

Forever. (He is ETERNAL)