Breakthrough in Confidence - Psalm 23 - January 27, 2007

Sunday School Lesson – Breakthrough in Confidence – January 27, 2008

This is our final lesson in our series “Experience a Breakthrough.”

Our scripture is Psalm 23:1-6.

We are not sure when David wrote this Psalm. But David knew about the care and nature of sheep since he cared for sheep as a young lad. He knew the role of the shepherd in the care of the sheep. He related his experience when tending sheep as a shepherd to GOD’S care of him. You can see the tenderness of David’s heart toward his understanding of GOD as we study this Psalm.

Again, we must keep in mind that this Psalm reflects David’s relationship with GOD. We can be comforted by these words but the key is how would we describe our relationship with GOD through JESUS? What can we write as our Psalm based upon our relationship and experience with our LORD?

To me this Psalm reflects the heart of David toward GOD and GOD’S heart toward HIS children. To pen such words come from a heart that understands, trusts and is confident in their relationship with GOD.

Let’s read Psalm 23:1-3:

1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths[1] Or me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

David sees in GOD HIS total care. David rests completely in the care and comfort of GOD. He trusts HIM completely to provide all he needs. GOD knows where the green pastures are located and HE led him to them and let him rest in them. Let’s place ourselves in the words of David.

GOD knows where to lead us to find both physical and spiritual nourishment. Food, rest and water are vital for all humans to have. Spiritual nourishment is also vital. Believers are nourished by reading the Bible, praying, abiding and obedience. The HOLY SPIRIT reveals truth as believers build a deeper relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

JESUS is the living water that bubbles up inside HIS children as we learn of HIM and build our relationship with HIM. Sheep will not drink from flowing or running water. GOD knows what will quench our thirst, both physically and spiritually, so HE leads us to the waters suitable to drink to be sustained. HE provides for us and by doing so, our trust in HIM is secure. We are refreshed as we journey through life and encounter various circumstances. We can trust HIM to always lead us on the right, safe and secure paths even though the area around us is treacherous.

For HIS name’s sake is a beautiful statement.

GOD’S goal for every believer is for them to be just like HIS ONLY SON JESUS. We are HIS name sake. We are HIS children. HE will take care of HIS children just as every good shepherd stakes his life on the care of his sheep.

JESUS, the good shepherd, gave HIS life for HIS sheep. Do we really know how much GOD cares for us? Yes, we do. HE loved us so much that HE allowed HIS SON to come to earth and die for us that we might be restored to fellowship with HIM as HIS children. JESUS made it possible for all believers to approach GOD directly. We can call GOD, Daddy! But for this to happen, JESUS willingly gave HIS life to set all believers free from the penalty of death and the burden of sin; that we might have life more abundantly here upon earth and forever.

Let’s read Psalm 23:4-5:

4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,[2] Or the valley of the shadow of death I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff[3] A shepherd’s rod and crook —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.

David was secure in the LORD. No matter what circumstances he was going through, GOD would be with him. The “darkest valley” carries the idea of death but it is broader than death. It also includes any bad circumstance(s) that come our way in life.

The rod and staff were used to fight off enemies and rescue sheep that had gone astray and gotten into trouble. The rod could have been one weapon, such as a club and the staff another or they could have been combined. Knowing that GOD was his refuge and strength was all that David needed to know. GOD was prepared to defend him from all his enemies. No matter what enemy surrounded David, GOD was his security and assurance. These enemies could be real or perceived. The enemies could be mental, health, financial, life threatening, fear, job, relationships and the list goes on and on. But in the midst of these dark times, GOD was his refuge, comfort and had taught him that HE could be trusted.

David was so confident in GOD’S care of him in the midst of turmoil he did not have to worry about the battle going on around him. In the midst of battle no warrior would dare take time out to go to a banquet. But GOD fought the battles for David and to show this GOD prepared a banquet table for David and invited him to be the honored guest. In that day the honored guest’s head was anointed with oil. GOD invited David to HIS sanctuary in the midst of turmoil and GOD anointed his head. He could enjoy the bounty and peace provided by the LORD, knowing fully that GOD had everything under HIS control. To relax in such an environment can only be done because David knew and trusted GOD through their relationship.

Even in these dark times GOD reminded David that he is the honored guest. GOD anointed his head with oil and HE kept his cup filled to the brim. HIS care for him will never end.

Truly our cup runs over when we know our LORD.

Let’s read Psalm 23:6:

6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in[4] LXX, Sym, Syr, Tg, Vg, Jer; MT reads will return to the house of the Lord as long as I live.[5] Lit Lord for length of days; traditionally Lord forever [6] Ps 27:4

David had an intimate relationship with GOD and trusted HIS provisions for all his life. The word “pursue” carries the idea of hunter and prey. David is the prey and is being pursued but not by something bad but “goodness and faithful love.” Whether David ran toward GOD or away from GOD, GOD would pursue him. Since he knew of GOD’S never ending love and care, he chose not to run from GOD but he ran to GOD by dwelling in the house of the LORD forever. In essence, David could trust GOD in this life and the life to come.

Do you know the total care of the LORD? Do you feel like GOD has invited you to HIS banquet table when you are going through the dark times in your life? In my opinion, this can only occur when we have an intimate, loving relationship with the LORD. This type of relationship is not achieved by human effort but by yielding our will to HIM and getting to really know HIM.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 6:23:
33 But seek first the kingdom of God[17] Other mss omit of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you

Our relationship with our LORD is vital. Salvation is one thing that never changes once we have been born into the family of GOD. However, once we are born into GOD’S family we choose whether or not we build a relationship with our LORD.

Read Psalm 23 again and ask GOD to reveal to you what HE wants you to see in the eyes of your heart and how this Psalm applies to you.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths[1] Or me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,[2] Or the valley of the shadow of death I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff[3] A shepherd’s rod and crook —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 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in[4] LXX, Sym, Syr, Tg, Vg, Jer; MT reads will return to the house of the Lord as long as I live.[5] Lit Lord for length of days; traditionally Lord forever [6] Ps 27:4