Psalms that speak – Psalm 23 Today we finish our series called “Psalms that speak.” Psalms are poems and also songs that were sung in Jewish worship services or festivals. Like any song that you listen to, there is a story and an experience behind the words. Today we look at the most often quoted Psalm; Psalm 23. This Psalm is most likely written not by a young David, but by the old man David. Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The man who wrote this, David, wasn’t that much different from you and me. From his pain David would write Psalms like this; Psalm 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people ruin my reputation? How long will you make groundless accusations? How long will you continue your lies? Psalm 5:1 O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. 2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. 3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 6:6 I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. 7 My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies. Psalm 10:1 O Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? Psalm 13:1 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. 4 Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. David felt but we have felt from time to time. Now many years have passed it is later in his life. And this is when we believe that David wrote the 23rd Psalm. As an older man is recounting what God has done, and he writes these words; Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Everything is already provided for. There is no Lack. 2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Ephesians 1:8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. You’re not under that thing… Ephesians 3:19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 6:11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus…13 For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength Colossians 2:13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life When you take all the references about God out of the 23rd Psalm here’s what you’re left with. Psalm 23:1 The Lord is NOT my shepherd; I want. 2 me… me 3 …my soul…me 4 I walk…I will fear…me…me. 5 me…and my enemies. my head… my cup… 6 Me… I John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. Let’s see what GOD can do! Pastor Brian Harrell