By: Tracy Dugger

Introduction: Ponder a Bible without this short Psalm!

I. The Bible is not merely written like an encyclopedia. God speaks to us through the personal experience of humans just like ourselves. Thus, the Psalms speak to our heart. This psalm is the voice of personal experience.

II. The specific occasion in which David wrote this inspired Psalm is not known. There were many occasions in which David’s life was in danger. Suffice it that he knows what he speaks of when he refers to walking through the valley of the shadow of death and trusting in the Lord as his shepherd.

III. This Psalm illustrates the complete trust David had in God. His faith pours out of every verse.

A. It was preserved for our application; it shows that we can have peace when we completely trust in God.

IV. Three Simple Themes in this Psalm – Life (vv. 1-3), Death (vv. 4-5), Eternity (v. 6)

A. Are these not the three themes that should capture the attention of all people? And our understanding of them will have the most significant consequences. Are there more significant themes than these?

Discussion

I. LIFE (vv. 1-3)

A. The Psalm begins with the One who has the answers to questions about these three themes – The LORD

1. “The LORD” - Jehovah; the Great name of God; absolute faithfulness to His people.

B. The Psalm reminds us of a quality of created beings – We are contingent beings; God is a no-contingent being (Psalm 50:12).

C. Shepherd – Leader, Guide, Protector, Provider

1. The idea of the Lord being a Shepherd is a common theme (Psalm 74:1; 77:20; 78:52, 70ff; 79:13; 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:12-14; Micah 5:4)

2. NT – John 10; 1 Peter 5

3. The reputation of a Palestinian Shepherd

D. Personal - “is my shepherd”

1. Human experience is speaking.

2. It is so personal that the shepherd will leave the 99 to seek the lost one (Luke 15).

E. I Shall Not Want – Provision of physical needs but especially spiritual needs.

1. The life He gives is an abundant life (John 10:10)!

2. Those needs are further elaborated on in verse 2 in his mention of “green pastures” and “still waters.”

a. This is the perfect scenario; a scene of spiritual and emotional rest and refreshment.

3. The Lord is All-Sufficient for our needs; like a Good Shepherd to his sheep; Hebrews 13:5-6

F. He Restoreth My Soul

1. Restoreth – to bring back my soul; refresh; the idea is strengthening; reviving when weary.

2. He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness – Leads us into right ways; will not misdirect us.

II. Death (vv. 4-5)

A. Death is a word that impacts our lives in was we do not think about.

B. The Valley of the Shadow of Death – the darkest valley

1. Shadow – Not the real, but the threat of or the influence of its reality; the presence of death is near.

2. This phrase is not limited to only the facing of or experience of death. It also includes any threat to our life or any major crisis; suffering; physical and spiritual.

a. Fear, trials, and difficulties can cause us to doubt God’s goodness and care; to think we have been forsaken and forgotten. Isaiah 50:10 contains the answer to all doubt and fear.

3. To some, death is welcomed, not feared.

C. I Will Fear No Evil – A coming face-to-face with death and not letting it get the best of you.

1. Even in the face of death we are well supplied; I can have peace!

D. For Thou Art With Me

1. Study the lives of OT saints like Abraham and Jacob and Joseph to see the promises of God to be with them. This is how they sustained their faith!

2. Hebrews 13:5-6

3. Hebrews 2:9, 15

E. A reason we do not fear is because the Lord has the keys to death and hades (Study Revelation 7:15-17; 6;18; 20:13-14; 1:18).

F. The Lord’s Protection and Guidance

1. Thy Rod and Staff – the shepherd’s crook

a. Moses’ rod and staff – symbol of protection; a pilgrim’s staff

G. No Longer the Shepherd but a Generous Host

1. The Table – Divine Fellowship

2. Anointing with Oil – A courtesy shown guests at a banquet

3. These two figures are suggestive of a banquet where one is greatly supplied and honored.

III. ETERNITY (v. 6)

A. He has but one goal here; one desire for the future – to dwell in the house of the Lord forever; to be in the presence of God for eternity; See Psalm 27:4.

1. Our Journey to Eternity – Two Futures

a. Remainder of life here – Our Journey (“all the days of my life”)

b. Eternal Life – Our Destiny (“dwell in the house of the Lord forever”)

B. Two Great Companions that follow us:

1. God’s Goodness

2. God’s Mercy

Conclusion:

David looked to the end of life and to the home that awaits all faithful saints; a place where fellowship and association with the Lord is never ending. The same place Abraham looked for – Hebrews 11:8-10.

A. Can you say the Lord is my Shepherd?