WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.600 Thank you very much, Richard. 00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:07.600 Great song that we need to be thankful for, 00:00:07.820 --> 00:00:09.000 that our God is faithful. 00:00:10.320 --> 00:00:11.800 Don't answer out loud, 00:00:11.939 --> 00:00:15.320 but how would you describe life during this pandemic? 00:00:16.760 --> 00:00:20.480 Fearful, stressful, frustrating. 00:00:21.879 --> 00:00:23.519 What about uncertain? 00:00:24.960 --> 00:00:27.080 Over the past two months, 00:00:27.079 --> 00:00:32.699 we have certainly been living in uncertain times. 00:00:33.420 --> 00:00:37.780 There's been a lot of uncertainty about a variety of things. 00:00:38.399 --> 00:00:40.200 What businesses are open? 00:00:41.519 --> 00:00:44.340 And if I go, will they have what I need? 00:00:45.480 --> 00:00:46.920 Is my job secure? 00:00:48.399 --> 00:00:52.619 Some people, they live with that uncertainty week by week. 00:00:52.619 --> 00:00:57.780 Some people, how am I going to work my job 00:00:57.780 --> 00:00:59.799 and provide childcare for my children? 00:01:01.280 --> 00:01:05.400 And most, all of us are wondering, 00:01:06.179 --> 00:01:09.620 how long will it be before life turns to some kind of normalcy? 00:01:11.900 --> 00:01:13.299 Chuck Swindoll wrote a book, 00:01:14.079 --> 00:01:15.900 a devotional book on the Psalms. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:17.620 He called it Living in the Psalms. 00:01:17.620 --> 00:01:23.420 And he gave his chapter on Psalm 23 this title, 00:01:24.100 --> 00:01:26.600 The Grind of Uncertainty. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:29.480 And he begins the chapter with these words, 00:01:30.359 --> 00:01:33.980 I have observed that fewer inner battles are more fierce 00:01:33.980 --> 00:01:36.820 than the daily grind of uncertainty. 00:01:36.819 --> 00:01:42.719 No doubt, you too have encountered one or more of its many faces 00:01:42.719 --> 00:01:45.799 as you have struggled with purpose and pain, 00:01:46.339 --> 00:01:48.759 job security, financial pressures, 00:01:49.219 --> 00:01:52.239 physical handicaps, relational snags, 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:54.759 and a dozen other confusing puzzles 00:01:54.759 --> 00:01:57.739 not quickly or easily solved. 00:01:58.319 --> 00:02:00.719 It is for the dark hours of uncertainty 00:02:00.719 --> 00:02:05.060 that David penned a song we know as Psalm 23. 00:02:05.060 --> 00:02:12.099 If we took a poll of what chapter of the Bible 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:14.819 has God used most over the centuries 00:02:14.819 --> 00:02:17.939 to bring comfort and hope to Christians, 00:02:18.879 --> 00:02:24.680 I believe we would far and away pick the 23rd Psalm. 00:02:26.439 --> 00:02:28.960 For the past several weeks, 00:02:29.460 --> 00:02:31.560 I've been thinking about and praying about 00:02:31.560 --> 00:02:36.039 what passage of Scripture should I focus on, 00:02:36.439 --> 00:02:38.620 preach from on our first Sunday back. 00:02:40.420 --> 00:02:41.840 This is a special time. 00:02:41.979 --> 00:02:43.560 We've been away for nine weeks. 00:02:43.699 --> 00:02:45.240 We're here now as God's people, 00:02:45.580 --> 00:02:47.259 worshiping Him, studying His Word. 00:02:47.379 --> 00:02:50.240 What passage should I preach? 00:02:51.480 --> 00:02:53.199 Well, as I thought about that, prayed about that, 00:02:53.240 --> 00:02:54.259 I thought about Psalms. 00:02:54.259 --> 00:02:59.539 Psalms has something that touches every condition, 00:02:59.959 --> 00:03:00.840 every emotion. 00:03:02.359 --> 00:03:04.879 I started thinking about the Psalm 100. 00:03:05.639 --> 00:03:07.459 It's a psalm about giving thanks, 00:03:07.560 --> 00:03:09.199 and we have a lot to be thankful for. 00:03:10.099 --> 00:03:11.560 But early this past week, 00:03:11.859 --> 00:03:13.319 I think the Lord brought my attention 00:03:13.319 --> 00:03:15.699 to the 23rd Psalm. 00:03:15.699 --> 00:03:18.699 That's the chapter. 00:03:19.519 --> 00:03:23.119 That's the passage that we need to look at. 00:03:23.819 --> 00:03:25.399 Now, I can think of several reasons 00:03:25.399 --> 00:03:28.299 why this is a good study for us. 00:03:28.439 --> 00:03:33.319 First, Psalm 23 is a very familiar passage of Scripture, 00:03:33.979 --> 00:03:36.159 and I think it'll help us, do us all good, 00:03:36.519 --> 00:03:38.479 to study something that is familiar 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:43.419 during this unfamiliar time we're in right now. 00:03:43.419 --> 00:03:46.479 Psalm 23 is also a very comforting 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:48.500 and encouraging passage. 00:03:49.780 --> 00:03:51.500 Comfort and encouragement 00:03:51.500 --> 00:03:56.759 is something that most of us need a lot of times, 00:03:57.339 --> 00:03:58.979 maybe especially now. 00:03:59.739 --> 00:04:02.639 And then Psalm 23 is written in a way 00:04:02.639 --> 00:04:06.399 to give us assurance on a personal level. 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:07.119 Look at it. 00:04:07.179 --> 00:04:09.339 Psalm 23, verse 1. 00:04:09.340 --> 00:04:15.560 The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:17.139 Look at it. 00:04:17.540 --> 00:04:21.579 The Lord is, present tense, my, 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:24.959 talking about something very personal here, 00:04:25.720 --> 00:04:27.280 is my shepherd. 00:04:28.620 --> 00:04:29.699 And as a result of that, 00:04:29.780 --> 00:04:30.620 I have all that I want, 00:04:30.699 --> 00:04:33.480 or more specifically, all that I need. 00:04:33.480 --> 00:04:35.900 I want us to begin today 00:04:35.900 --> 00:04:37.939 and do about a five or six week study 00:04:37.939 --> 00:04:40.319 of this familiar psalm 00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:42.879 with a prayer that God will use it 00:04:42.879 --> 00:04:46.360 to help us have more certainty 00:04:46.360 --> 00:04:48.420 in these uncertain times 00:04:48.420 --> 00:04:52.879 because of our personal experience 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:55.620 with the Lord 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:59.319 as our, or let's make it personal, 00:04:59.879 --> 00:05:00.800 my shepherd. 00:05:00.800 --> 00:05:03.680 Now, David wrote Psalm 23 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:05.879 as an older man, 00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:08.560 as the king of Israel. 00:05:09.660 --> 00:05:11.720 But as he wrote this psalm, 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:16.400 he thought about his boyhood experience 00:05:16.400 --> 00:05:17.920 as a shepherd 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:20.720 taking care of his father's sheep. 00:05:20.860 --> 00:05:21.699 You can read about that 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:23.280 in the book of 1 Samuel. 00:05:24.100 --> 00:05:25.600 It's important that we understand 00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:28.180 the perspective from which David wrote. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:30.199 He didn't write from the perspective 00:05:30.199 --> 00:05:32.819 of himself being the shepherd. 00:05:33.280 --> 00:05:33.980 Look at it. 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:34.780 He wrote, 00:05:35.139 --> 00:05:38.660 the Lord is my shepherd, 00:05:39.720 --> 00:05:42.400 which means he wrote 00:05:42.400 --> 00:05:44.860 from the perspective of a sheep 00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:48.160 being cared for by the shepherd. 00:05:48.939 --> 00:05:51.000 So, the first key to understanding 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:52.000 Psalm 23 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:53.939 and profiting from it 00:05:53.939 --> 00:05:55.780 as the Lord wants us to 00:05:55.779 --> 00:05:57.099 is this. 00:05:57.599 --> 00:05:59.019 If we're going to find certainty 00:05:59.019 --> 00:06:00.039 for uncertain times 00:06:00.039 --> 00:06:00.819 in Psalm 23, 00:06:01.559 --> 00:06:03.379 we must learn to see ourselves 00:06:03.379 --> 00:06:05.039 as we really are 00:06:05.039 --> 00:06:06.459 before God. 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:07.979 We've got to learn to see ourselves 00:06:07.979 --> 00:06:09.339 as God sees us. 00:06:10.219 --> 00:06:12.179 Now, in the context of Psalm 23, 00:06:13.059 --> 00:06:16.159 we are helpless sheep. 00:06:16.899 --> 00:06:18.479 And that is not a compliment. 00:06:19.739 --> 00:06:21.239 Don't think in terms of 00:06:21.239 --> 00:06:22.899 Mary had a little lamb, 00:06:22.899 --> 00:06:24.560 its fleece was white as snow 00:06:24.560 --> 00:06:26.239 and all that kind of junk. 00:06:28.239 --> 00:06:28.679 Sheep 00:06:28.679 --> 00:06:31.000 are not something 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:32.199 that anybody wants to be. 00:06:32.279 --> 00:06:33.479 If we did a poll this morning 00:06:33.479 --> 00:06:34.459 in this room right now, 00:06:35.179 --> 00:06:36.079 if you had to be an animal, 00:06:36.179 --> 00:06:37.219 what would you be? 00:06:38.939 --> 00:06:41.859 Probably some kind of great dog 00:06:41.859 --> 00:06:44.759 or a great cat 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:46.339 like a lion, a tiger. 00:06:47.659 --> 00:06:48.599 Maybe a bear. 00:06:48.600 --> 00:06:51.500 Some people may want to be 00:06:51.500 --> 00:06:53.580 a bird because you like to sing 00:06:53.580 --> 00:06:54.460 or something like that. 00:06:55.520 --> 00:06:56.400 But I don't believe anybody 00:06:56.400 --> 00:06:57.220 would say 00:06:57.220 --> 00:06:58.560 if it could be any kind of animal, 00:06:59.220 --> 00:07:00.500 they would be a sheep. 00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:03.660 Haddon Robinson 00:07:03.660 --> 00:07:05.520 explains why 00:07:05.520 --> 00:07:07.840 being a sheep 00:07:07.840 --> 00:07:09.379 is not complimentary. 00:07:09.900 --> 00:07:10.439 Look at this. 00:07:11.280 --> 00:07:13.420 A sheep is all of the things 00:07:13.420 --> 00:07:14.900 that we do not want to be. 00:07:14.899 --> 00:07:16.919 It is defenseless, 00:07:17.500 --> 00:07:18.019 dependent, 00:07:18.639 --> 00:07:19.539 and stupid. 00:07:20.439 --> 00:07:21.399 But when David wrote, 00:07:21.539 --> 00:07:22.560 the Lord is my shepherd, 00:07:22.759 --> 00:07:23.799 I shall not want, 00:07:24.419 --> 00:07:26.060 he was saying by implication 00:07:26.060 --> 00:07:28.019 that he was a sheep. 00:07:28.500 --> 00:07:29.579 He was defenseless, 00:07:30.259 --> 00:07:30.739 dependent, 00:07:31.620 --> 00:07:32.379 and foolish. 00:07:33.539 --> 00:07:35.259 You and I might as well admit it. 00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:37.339 Before God, 00:07:37.979 --> 00:07:38.659 we too 00:07:38.659 --> 00:07:40.039 are sheep. 00:07:40.539 --> 00:07:41.799 Yet in the depths 00:07:41.799 --> 00:07:43.439 of our proud hearts, 00:07:43.439 --> 00:07:45.399 that is a very difficult 00:07:45.399 --> 00:07:46.060 admission 00:07:46.060 --> 00:07:47.500 to make. 00:07:49.360 --> 00:07:50.980 I don't want to be a sheep. 00:07:53.199 --> 00:07:54.560 I don't want to think of myself 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:55.379 as dumb 00:07:55.379 --> 00:07:56.579 and defenseless 00:07:56.579 --> 00:07:59.000 like a sheep is. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:03.060 But we can't get around it. 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:05.220 In both the Old 00:08:05.220 --> 00:08:06.079 and New Testament, 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:09.019 a lot of times, 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:10.680 God's people, 00:08:11.720 --> 00:08:12.199 Christians, 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:14.240 are referred to 00:08:14.240 --> 00:08:15.620 as sheep. 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:17.219 Here's one 00:08:17.219 --> 00:08:17.639 that's probably 00:08:17.639 --> 00:08:18.899 most in this room 00:08:18.899 --> 00:08:19.459 you know this, 00:08:19.539 --> 00:08:20.539 from Isaiah 53. 00:08:21.259 --> 00:08:22.879 All we like sheep 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:24.300 have gone astray. 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:25.519 We have turned 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:26.000 everyone 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:27.519 to his own way 00:08:27.519 --> 00:08:28.879 as opposed to 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:30.079 God's way. 00:08:31.159 --> 00:08:32.559 Jesus described us 00:08:32.559 --> 00:08:33.179 as Christians, 00:08:33.379 --> 00:08:34.000 his people, 00:08:34.600 --> 00:08:35.539 as sheep, 00:08:36.319 --> 00:08:36.779 and he, 00:08:36.960 --> 00:08:38.039 our good shepherd, 00:08:38.580 --> 00:08:39.759 in John 10. 00:08:39.759 --> 00:08:41.220 We'll look at that 00:08:41.220 --> 00:08:41.620 more 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:43.159 a little bit later 00:08:43.159 --> 00:08:44.419 in this series. 00:08:45.600 --> 00:08:46.480 The only way 00:08:46.480 --> 00:08:47.360 that we will ever 00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:48.179 find comfort 00:08:48.179 --> 00:08:49.139 in Psalm 23 00:08:49.139 --> 00:08:50.879 is to admit 00:08:50.879 --> 00:08:51.519 that we 00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:52.679 spiritually now, 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:54.419 spiritually, 00:08:54.620 --> 00:08:55.600 before God, 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:57.600 we are like sheep. 00:08:58.259 --> 00:08:59.159 We are totally 00:08:59.159 --> 00:09:00.500 dependent on 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:01.580 our shepherd. 00:09:03.580 --> 00:09:04.659 We just can't 00:09:04.659 --> 00:09:05.460 make it on our own. 00:09:06.419 --> 00:09:06.600 Now, 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:07.899 I know 00:09:07.899 --> 00:09:08.379 some people 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:08.779 are thinking, 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:09.059 well, 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:10.500 I'm not dumb. 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:11.279 People aren't 00:09:11.279 --> 00:09:11.559 dumb, 00:09:11.600 --> 00:09:12.259 and you're right. 00:09:14.500 --> 00:09:15.840 This does not 00:09:15.840 --> 00:09:16.299 mean, 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:16.939 this idea 00:09:16.939 --> 00:09:17.399 of us being 00:09:17.399 --> 00:09:17.840 sheep, 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:19.439 does not mean 00:09:19.439 --> 00:09:19.860 that we should 00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:20.700 think of ourselves 00:09:20.700 --> 00:09:21.419 literally 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:23.559 as a dumb, 00:09:23.960 --> 00:09:24.659 sheep-like 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:25.200 animal. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.039 As human beings, 00:09:27.139 --> 00:09:27.620 we are created 00:09:27.620 --> 00:09:28.019 in the image 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:28.460 of God. 00:09:29.379 --> 00:09:30.059 And we should 00:09:30.059 --> 00:09:31.039 never lose sight 00:09:31.039 --> 00:09:31.240 of that. 00:09:31.439 --> 00:09:32.320 As human beings, 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:33.539 we are created 00:09:33.539 --> 00:09:34.659 in the image 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:35.320 of God. 00:09:35.899 --> 00:09:36.860 We are God's 00:09:36.860 --> 00:09:37.600 highest, 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:38.940 most special 00:09:38.940 --> 00:09:40.000 creation. 00:09:41.080 --> 00:09:42.159 We have 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:44.680 many God-given 00:09:44.680 --> 00:09:45.960 qualities, 00:09:47.240 --> 00:09:47.740 intellectually, 00:09:49.200 --> 00:09:49.779 physically, 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:50.899 ability, 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:51.779 a lot of physical 00:09:51.779 --> 00:09:52.240 abilities, 00:09:52.779 --> 00:09:53.320 socially. 00:09:53.320 --> 00:09:55.519 And all that 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:56.340 makes us far 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:57.419 superior to 00:09:57.419 --> 00:09:58.860 the best animal, 00:09:59.340 --> 00:10:00.139 the most intelligent 00:10:00.139 --> 00:10:00.659 animal. 00:10:02.180 --> 00:10:02.519 But let's 00:10:02.519 --> 00:10:03.240 remember this. 00:10:03.240 --> 00:10:05.240 Ever since Adam 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:06.080 and Eve sinned 00:10:06.080 --> 00:10:06.620 in the Garden 00:10:06.620 --> 00:10:07.200 of Eden, 00:10:08.700 --> 00:10:10.860 sin has made 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:12.279 human beings 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:14.279 as spiritually 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:16.159 impoverished 00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:17.220 and needy 00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:18.860 as sheep. 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:21.379 We really are 00:10:21.379 --> 00:10:22.120 before God 00:10:22.120 --> 00:10:23.919 spiritually lost, 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:26.440 separated from 00:10:26.440 --> 00:10:26.779 God. 00:10:27.480 --> 00:10:28.240 That's what sin 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:29.000 did there in the 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:29.659 Garden in the 00:10:29.659 --> 00:10:29.980 beginning. 00:10:30.759 --> 00:10:31.740 God created Adam 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:32.080 and Eve. 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:33.000 They enjoyed 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:34.740 perfect fellowship 00:10:34.740 --> 00:10:35.840 face-to-face 00:10:35.840 --> 00:10:36.560 with Him. 00:10:37.440 --> 00:10:38.020 But when they 00:10:38.020 --> 00:10:38.639 sinned, 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:39.139 what happened? 00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:40.180 They hid 00:10:40.180 --> 00:10:40.800 from God. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:44.280 Sin separated 00:10:44.280 --> 00:10:44.620 them. 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:45.340 They knew 00:10:45.340 --> 00:10:46.139 they were wrong. 00:10:46.420 --> 00:10:46.980 Something had 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:47.600 gone wrong. 00:10:47.800 --> 00:10:48.280 They couldn't 00:10:48.280 --> 00:10:48.820 see, 00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:49.700 look at God 00:10:49.700 --> 00:10:51.139 as they had 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:51.620 in the past. 00:10:51.879 --> 00:10:52.980 Sin messed 00:10:52.980 --> 00:10:53.379 up that 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:53.879 relationship. 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:55.520 Think about 00:10:55.520 --> 00:10:55.780 this. 00:10:55.960 --> 00:10:56.640 On our own, 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:57.879 we are defenseless 00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:58.740 against the devil, 00:11:00.379 --> 00:11:00.900 against the 00:11:00.900 --> 00:11:01.900 forces of evil 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:02.480 in this world 00:11:02.480 --> 00:11:03.519 that oppose us, 00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:05.059 that tempt us. 00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:07.559 And think about 00:11:07.559 --> 00:11:07.919 this. 00:11:08.919 --> 00:11:09.740 We demonstrate 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:10.860 our spiritual 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:13.299 foolishness by 00:11:13.299 --> 00:11:14.539 allowing ourselves 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:15.679 to be shaped 00:11:15.679 --> 00:11:17.639 more by the 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:18.419 influence of this 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:20.039 world, this world 00:11:20.039 --> 00:11:21.199 that opposes God, 00:11:22.539 --> 00:11:26.079 than being shaped 00:11:26.079 --> 00:11:27.559 by the truth 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:28.460 of God's Word. 00:11:28.460 --> 00:11:28.519 God's Word. 00:11:30.100 --> 00:11:30.980 That's why Paul 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:31.680 writes in Romans 00:11:31.680 --> 00:11:32.759 12, don't let 00:11:32.759 --> 00:11:33.980 the world squeeze 00:11:33.980 --> 00:11:34.820 you into its 00:11:34.820 --> 00:11:36.860 mold, because 00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:37.639 that's what we 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:38.400 naturally do. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:40.500 And that shows us 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:41.420 just how foolish 00:11:41.420 --> 00:11:42.320 we are. 00:11:43.660 --> 00:11:45.400 So, if you look 00:11:45.400 --> 00:11:46.220 at Psalm 23, 00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:48.060 if you've been a 00:11:48.060 --> 00:11:48.500 Christian for any 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:49.139 length of time, 00:11:49.980 --> 00:11:50.639 if you grew up in a 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:51.519 home where the 00:11:51.519 --> 00:11:52.519 Bible was ever read, 00:11:52.600 --> 00:11:53.080 you ever went to 00:11:53.080 --> 00:11:54.040 church, you know the 00:11:54.039 --> 00:11:56.799 23rd Psalm, if you 00:11:56.799 --> 00:11:57.379 want to really 00:11:57.379 --> 00:11:59.620 experience comfort and 00:11:59.620 --> 00:12:02.539 hope from it, first, 00:12:02.980 --> 00:12:04.799 look at yourself as 00:12:04.799 --> 00:12:05.779 God looks at you. 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:08.539 You are a 00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:10.039 spiritually lost 00:12:10.039 --> 00:12:11.439 sheep. 00:12:13.039 --> 00:12:15.240 You are without hope 00:12:15.240 --> 00:12:16.500 in terms of having a 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:17.599 right relationship with 00:12:17.599 --> 00:12:18.539 God, being able to 00:12:18.539 --> 00:12:19.480 live life in a way 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:21.159 that will please Him 00:12:21.159 --> 00:12:22.259 and serve His 00:12:22.259 --> 00:12:22.699 purpose. 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:28.579 We are sheep who 00:12:28.579 --> 00:12:29.500 are in desperate 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:31.620 need of God's 00:12:31.620 --> 00:12:32.500 shepherd-like 00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:35.139 guidance, protection, 00:12:36.419 --> 00:12:37.559 and loving care. 00:12:38.719 --> 00:12:40.519 Jesus emphasizes that 00:12:40.519 --> 00:12:43.120 loving care part in 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:44.159 John 10 that we'll be 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:44.659 looking at. 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:46.720 Now, once we 00:12:46.720 --> 00:12:47.500 understand who we 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:48.819 are in this Psalm, 00:12:49.899 --> 00:12:50.659 then we're ready to 00:12:50.659 --> 00:12:51.860 start looking at the 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:53.959 main player, the 00:12:53.959 --> 00:12:54.959 focus of the Psalm, 00:12:55.679 --> 00:12:56.179 the Lord. 00:12:56.799 --> 00:12:57.419 Look at this. 00:12:57.719 --> 00:12:58.219 If we're going to 00:12:58.219 --> 00:12:59.120 find certainty for 00:12:59.120 --> 00:12:59.980 uncertain times in 00:12:59.980 --> 00:13:01.259 Psalm 23, we must 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.419 learn to see God as 00:13:02.419 --> 00:13:03.659 He really is. 00:13:03.919 --> 00:13:04.579 And David's real 00:13:04.579 --> 00:13:04.939 clear. 00:13:06.319 --> 00:13:08.039 David begins with 00:13:08.039 --> 00:13:09.240 the Lord. 00:13:10.019 --> 00:13:10.679 Now, whenever you 00:13:10.679 --> 00:13:11.879 see the word Lord in 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:13.779 all capital letters as 00:13:13.779 --> 00:13:15.159 it is in this English 00:13:15.159 --> 00:13:17.500 translation, it's 00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:18.439 translating the Hebrew 00:13:18.439 --> 00:13:19.639 word Yahweh. 00:13:20.659 --> 00:13:22.139 That's God's most 00:13:22.139 --> 00:13:23.959 sacred name. 00:13:24.879 --> 00:13:25.779 And it means that God 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:27.620 is self-sufficient and 00:13:27.620 --> 00:13:29.620 God is self-existent. 00:13:29.740 --> 00:13:30.319 Let's think about that 00:13:30.319 --> 00:13:30.759 for a moment. 00:13:31.399 --> 00:13:32.600 To say that God is 00:13:32.600 --> 00:13:34.679 self-sufficient means He 00:13:34.679 --> 00:13:36.699 has absolutely no 00:13:36.699 --> 00:13:37.860 needs. 00:13:39.959 --> 00:13:41.360 God needs nothing. 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:43.699 God has no need for 00:13:43.699 --> 00:13:45.059 more wisdom because He is 00:13:45.059 --> 00:13:46.339 all-wise. 00:13:46.340 --> 00:13:48.759 God never has to look 00:13:48.759 --> 00:13:49.720 around and try to find 00:13:49.720 --> 00:13:51.300 more power because He is 00:13:51.300 --> 00:13:53.100 all-powerful. 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:57.759 You know that God never 00:13:57.759 --> 00:13:59.840 could become more 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:02.220 loving because as 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:04.820 Scripture calls Him, He is 00:14:04.820 --> 00:14:05.860 love. 00:14:07.139 --> 00:14:08.259 When we think about God 00:14:08.259 --> 00:14:10.200 being self-sufficient, that 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:11.900 means that God has all the 00:14:11.900 --> 00:14:14.820 resources at His disposal in 00:14:14.820 --> 00:14:16.300 who He is, what He 00:14:16.300 --> 00:14:17.600 possesses, He has all the 00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:19.780 resources He will ever need 00:14:19.780 --> 00:14:22.100 to meet our needs. 00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:31.340 God is, if you're a Christian, 00:14:31.460 --> 00:14:32.980 think about it, is my 00:14:32.980 --> 00:14:37.060 shepherd, my protector, my 00:14:37.060 --> 00:14:40.220 guider, my comforter. 00:14:41.399 --> 00:14:42.220 And then look at this. 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:44.139 To say that God is self-existent 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:45.740 means that He has always 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:47.100 existed as God. 00:14:47.660 --> 00:14:48.740 Put it another way, He is 00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:49.399 timeless. 00:14:49.399 --> 00:14:52.699 He is above time, beyond 00:14:52.699 --> 00:14:53.179 time. 00:14:53.860 --> 00:14:54.740 Don't dwell on that too 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:55.199 long because that will 00:14:55.199 --> 00:14:56.039 blow your mind on it. 00:14:57.379 --> 00:14:58.919 To be above time and space 00:14:58.919 --> 00:15:01.220 like God is, time is a 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:02.079 creation of God. 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:04.079 Think about it this way. 00:15:04.139 --> 00:15:05.100 He never changes. 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:07.679 That's hard to imagine 00:15:07.679 --> 00:15:10.579 because everything changes. 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:11.439 You say you don't like 00:15:11.439 --> 00:15:11.840 change? 00:15:11.919 --> 00:15:12.360 Well, die. 00:15:14.139 --> 00:15:15.840 Die or get used to it 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:18.379 because everything changes. 00:15:18.379 --> 00:15:23.159 During the, I don't know, 00:15:23.179 --> 00:15:24.019 maybe a couple of weeks 00:15:24.019 --> 00:15:25.240 ago, Lisa was looking for 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:25.580 something. 00:15:25.679 --> 00:15:26.559 She found some old 00:15:26.559 --> 00:15:27.059 pictures. 00:15:29.539 --> 00:15:31.580 My hair was jet black. 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:34.460 I didn't have to suck in 00:15:34.460 --> 00:15:35.639 this, I didn't have a 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:35.820 belly. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:40.519 Think about what you look 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:42.379 like five years ago. 00:15:44.279 --> 00:15:45.299 Think about what you look 00:15:45.299 --> 00:15:47.539 like ten years ago. 00:15:47.539 --> 00:15:51.939 Think about twenty years 00:15:51.939 --> 00:15:52.279 ago. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:56.879 All you have to do to know 00:15:56.879 --> 00:16:00.299 that change is constant is 00:16:00.299 --> 00:16:01.620 just look at yourself in the 00:16:01.620 --> 00:16:04.139 mirror day by day. 00:16:04.839 --> 00:16:06.059 We change. 00:16:07.459 --> 00:16:08.839 Our children grow up. 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:10.779 They have children. 00:16:11.779 --> 00:16:12.659 Our parents and 00:16:12.659 --> 00:16:14.539 grandparents, they die. 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:15.199 They die. 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:16.319 They're no longer a part of 00:16:16.319 --> 00:16:16.620 our lives. 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:18.500 Everything about life 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.459 changes. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:23.759 This coronavirus pandemic 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:26.399 has been an unexpected and 00:16:26.399 --> 00:16:29.000 harsh reminder of how 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:31.939 quickly things can change. 00:16:31.939 --> 00:16:34.740 But change was not 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:36.839 introduced into our country 00:16:36.839 --> 00:16:40.539 or culture or homes as a 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:41.379 result of this pandemic. 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:45.480 everything changes but God 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.240 is what I'm getting at. 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:48.840 God is the one 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.000 constant. 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:52.580 God's character never 00:16:52.580 --> 00:16:53.100 changes. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:56.200 God's promises never 00:16:56.200 --> 00:16:56.919 change. 00:16:58.240 --> 00:16:59.580 God's power 00:16:59.580 --> 00:17:02.360 will remain the same 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:02.840 forever. 00:17:02.840 --> 00:17:03.840 God's power 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.840 will remain the same 00:17:04.840 --> 00:17:05.840 forever. 00:17:05.840 --> 00:17:07.279 We can have confidence in 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:10.039 the Lord as our shepherd 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:12.940 because he will always be who 00:17:12.940 --> 00:17:15.120 he has revealed himself to be. 00:17:17.519 --> 00:17:20.700 He will always do what he has 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:22.440 promised to do. 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:24.600 That's hard to get our heads 00:17:24.600 --> 00:17:25.539 around to think about it because 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.440 nobody else does. 00:17:27.340 --> 00:17:28.340 Nobody else can do that. 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:32.220 It's sad. 00:17:32.859 --> 00:17:33.459 Some of you have 00:17:33.459 --> 00:17:34.599 experienced this with your 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.679 parent or grandparent or 00:17:35.679 --> 00:17:36.299 aunt or uncle. 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:39.959 My dad when he died was not 00:17:39.959 --> 00:17:41.480 the person he'd always been 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:43.000 because of Alzheimer's. 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:46.659 A lot of us in this room 00:17:46.659 --> 00:17:49.959 right now, we can't do what we 00:17:49.959 --> 00:17:52.059 used to do the way we used to 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:52.419 do it. 00:17:53.619 --> 00:17:55.799 We just don't have that kind of 00:17:55.799 --> 00:17:58.019 strength or stamina now. 00:17:58.019 --> 00:18:02.759 But God, he will never be 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:04.420 changed by some kind of 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:04.879 disease. 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:08.259 He will never be changed by 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.700 what happens in this world. 00:18:11.599 --> 00:18:14.680 His power will never be in any 00:18:14.680 --> 00:18:15.859 shape, form or fashion 00:18:15.859 --> 00:18:17.400 diminished. 00:18:19.099 --> 00:18:21.440 This is the Lord that David 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:23.720 says is my shepherd. 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:26.619 Now if you're a Christian, make 00:18:26.619 --> 00:18:27.339 that personal. 00:18:28.459 --> 00:18:29.799 Say it to yourself or even if 00:18:29.799 --> 00:18:31.459 you want to, say it out loud 00:18:31.459 --> 00:18:31.939 right now. 00:18:32.259 --> 00:18:36.599 The Lord is my shepherd. 00:18:37.879 --> 00:18:39.619 This is a statement of fact that 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:42.439 every believer can say, can claim 00:18:42.439 --> 00:18:45.279 every moment of every day. 00:18:45.279 --> 00:18:49.660 No matter how uncertain things are 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:53.279 where you work or the school 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.039 situation. 00:18:56.279 --> 00:19:00.639 The Lord is my shepherd now. 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:04.299 And that should make a tremendous 00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:06.480 difference in how we face our 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:06.980 uncertainty. 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:09.200 Let's make this even more personal 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:10.440 by looking at what Jesus said in 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.539 John chapter 10. 00:19:11.539 --> 00:19:14.659 Jesus describes his relationship 00:19:14.659 --> 00:19:18.379 with all who trust him as the good 00:19:18.379 --> 00:19:22.039 shepherd who knows, loves, and cares 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:23.519 for his sheep. 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:25.000 Let me give you an example. 00:19:25.339 --> 00:19:27.259 John 10 verses 14 and 15. 00:19:27.659 --> 00:19:29.339 Jesus said, I am the good shepherd. 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:32.440 I know my own and my own know me. 00:19:32.839 --> 00:19:35.319 Just as the Father knows me and I know 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:35.759 the Father. 00:19:36.599 --> 00:19:40.319 And I lay down my life for the sheep. 00:19:40.319 --> 00:19:41.679 That's how much he loves us. 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:44.480 That's how much he gives of himself 00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:45.859 for us. 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:47.779 Now I want you to look at this next 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:47.960 one. 00:19:48.859 --> 00:19:50.919 Jesus also says that his sheep, 00:19:52.139 --> 00:19:53.740 his followers, Christians, 00:19:55.119 --> 00:19:57.299 his sheep know his voice 00:19:57.299 --> 00:19:59.679 and they follow him. 00:19:59.779 --> 00:20:02.059 This is in John 10 verses 27 and 28. 00:20:02.779 --> 00:20:05.519 My sheep hear my voice. 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:09.119 He's talking about through his word 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:10.480 and through his spirit. 00:20:12.879 --> 00:20:17.220 My sheep hear my voice and I know 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:21.079 them and they follow me. 00:20:22.920 --> 00:20:26.359 Now see, Jesus is describing a fact 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:31.619 about who all real Christians are 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:33.199 and what they do. 00:20:34.639 --> 00:20:35.939 We as he is, 00:20:36.639 --> 00:20:37.719 we hear his voice. 00:20:41.479 --> 00:20:42.959 He knows us 00:20:42.959 --> 00:20:45.759 and we follow him. 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:49.359 He says, I give them eternal life 00:20:49.359 --> 00:20:52.159 and they will never perish 00:20:52.159 --> 00:20:54.759 and no one will snatch them 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:55.719 out of my hand. 00:20:55.719 --> 00:20:57.339 We are eternally secure 00:20:57.339 --> 00:21:00.459 through faith in Jesus. 00:21:02.459 --> 00:21:05.059 We are living in uncertain times. 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:08.659 But wasn't life uncertain 00:21:08.659 --> 00:21:09.899 before this pandemic ever 00:21:09.899 --> 00:21:11.579 rared its ugly head? 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.079 There's uncertainty 00:21:15.079 --> 00:21:17.099 in our homes 00:21:17.099 --> 00:21:18.099 from time to time. 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.099 There's uncertainty 00:21:20.099 --> 00:21:21.199 related to jobs. 00:21:22.419 --> 00:21:23.379 There's uncertainty 00:21:23.379 --> 00:21:24.439 about our health. 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:28.320 Uncertainty is just part of life. 00:21:31.019 --> 00:21:33.500 We are spiritually 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:36.240 helpless sheep 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:38.820 who need the good shepherd Jesus 00:21:38.820 --> 00:21:40.140 to guide us through 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:42.900 this uncertain world 00:21:42.900 --> 00:21:45.440 and the end 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:48.120 to lead us into heaven 00:21:48.120 --> 00:21:51.400 where all certainty will end. 00:21:52.960 --> 00:21:54.140 Can you say right now, 00:21:54.140 --> 00:21:54.780 can you 00:21:54.780 --> 00:21:56.900 as an individual, 00:21:57.500 --> 00:21:58.660 can you say right now, 00:22:00.040 --> 00:22:01.520 the Lord is 00:22:01.520 --> 00:22:03.040 my 00:22:03.040 --> 00:22:04.240 shepherd? 00:22:05.520 --> 00:22:06.560 Are you 00:22:06.560 --> 00:22:08.840 one of the Lord's sheep? 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:12.240 You know his voice. 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:15.840 As you read his word, 00:22:16.600 --> 00:22:18.140 you hear his voice. 00:22:18.320 --> 00:22:18.900 Not literally. 00:22:18.900 --> 00:22:22.380 As you read his word, 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:24.720 as you live 00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:25.600 as a Christian 00:22:25.600 --> 00:22:26.300 with the spirit of God 00:22:26.300 --> 00:22:26.780 living in you, 00:22:26.880 --> 00:22:27.720 you hear him 00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:28.519 leading you, 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:29.740 you experience his 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:30.240 leading you, 00:22:30.380 --> 00:22:31.300 prompting you 00:22:31.300 --> 00:22:33.240 from within. 00:22:36.240 --> 00:22:37.740 Are you one of the Lord's sheep 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:40.480 who hears his voice 00:22:40.480 --> 00:22:43.200 and you follow him? 00:22:43.960 --> 00:22:45.180 You obey him. 00:22:45.180 --> 00:22:47.660 None of us does it perfectly. 00:22:47.820 --> 00:22:49.740 None of us does it every day. 00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:51.600 No one does it 00:22:51.600 --> 00:22:52.660 to the absolute 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:54.000 nth degree. 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.460 But if we are 00:22:56.460 --> 00:22:57.440 children of God 00:22:57.440 --> 00:22:58.660 and dwell by the spirit 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.039 of God, 00:22:59.160 --> 00:23:00.240 we'll have the desire 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:01.200 and we will put forth 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:01.640 the effort 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:03.279 to hear his voice 00:23:03.279 --> 00:23:04.200 and follow him 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:06.279 on a regular basis. 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:08.399 Now what I want us 00:23:08.399 --> 00:23:08.980 to understand is 00:23:08.980 --> 00:23:11.319 this all applies 00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:12.960 to people who believe. 00:23:14.740 --> 00:23:15.440 David wrote 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.559 the 23rd Psalm 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:18.059 as someone 00:23:18.059 --> 00:23:19.399 who knew the Lord 00:23:19.399 --> 00:23:21.000 as his shepherd. 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:21.779 He was a believer. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:24.839 Jesus in John 10 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:25.740 was describing 00:23:25.740 --> 00:23:27.139 his relationship 00:23:27.139 --> 00:23:28.680 with his followers. 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.920 So the question here is 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:33.519 are you as a Christian 00:23:33.519 --> 00:23:36.940 are you seeking 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:37.879 to listen to 00:23:37.879 --> 00:23:38.579 the voice 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:40.099 of your good shepherd 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:42.420 as he speaks 00:23:42.420 --> 00:23:43.819 through his word 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:44.859 and through his spirit 00:23:44.859 --> 00:23:46.940 on a regular basis? 00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.859 And are you listening 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:50.879 to him because 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:53.059 you love him? 00:23:53.819 --> 00:23:55.339 You trust him? 00:23:56.539 --> 00:23:57.740 You know that his way 00:23:57.740 --> 00:23:58.539 is right. 00:24:00.379 --> 00:24:01.740 His way is best 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:02.819 even if it's hard. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.740 You know the only way 00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:06.720 anybody can live 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:07.500 with confidence 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:09.079 and certainty 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:11.799 in our uncertain times 00:24:11.799 --> 00:24:14.440 is to humbly admit 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:16.500 we can't do it 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:16.900 on our own. 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:19.180 We are spiritually 00:24:19.180 --> 00:24:21.339 helpless like sheep 00:24:21.339 --> 00:24:23.379 and we really are 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.379 totally dependent 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:28.700 on our shepherd God, 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.799 our shepherd Lord 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:33.299 to give us wisdom. 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:35.019 to guide us 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:35.759 in the right way. 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:37.339 To help us stay 00:24:37.339 --> 00:24:38.359 on the right path 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:38.900 in life. 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:41.599 Now if God 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:42.440 has shown you 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:43.879 that your problem 00:24:43.879 --> 00:24:45.039 is not that you're 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.859 a weak Christian 00:24:45.859 --> 00:24:46.420 it's just you're 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.200 not a Christian 00:24:47.200 --> 00:24:48.660 well you need 00:24:48.660 --> 00:24:49.379 to admit that 00:24:49.379 --> 00:24:50.680 and thank God 00:24:50.680 --> 00:24:51.359 for making that 00:24:51.359 --> 00:24:52.079 clear to you. 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:53.160 And the way 00:24:53.160 --> 00:24:54.019 you should respond 00:24:54.019 --> 00:24:55.500 is to don't argue 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:56.579 but to humble yourself, 00:24:56.720 --> 00:24:57.700 admit your need, 00:24:57.980 --> 00:24:59.000 turn from your sin, 00:24:59.639 --> 00:25:00.000 repent, 00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:01.099 change your mind 00:25:01.099 --> 00:25:01.459 about how you're 00:25:01.459 --> 00:25:03.599 living and put 00:25:03.599 --> 00:25:04.359 your trust in Jesus 00:25:04.359 --> 00:25:05.480 as your Savior. 00:25:07.339 --> 00:25:08.079 Call upon Him 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:09.439 to save you. 00:25:11.139 --> 00:25:11.740 I want us to look 00:25:11.740 --> 00:25:12.639 at one more thing 00:25:12.639 --> 00:25:14.519 quickly that will 00:25:14.519 --> 00:25:15.480 also give us 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.379 certainty. 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.079 Look at this, 00:25:17.119 --> 00:25:17.579 number three. 00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:18.819 If we're going 00:25:18.819 --> 00:25:19.919 to find certainty 00:25:19.919 --> 00:25:21.259 for uncertain times 00:25:21.259 --> 00:25:22.019 in Psalm 23, 00:25:22.019 --> 00:25:23.339 we must learn 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:24.339 to enjoy 00:25:24.339 --> 00:25:25.559 and be content 00:25:25.559 --> 00:25:26.879 in our relationship 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:27.459 with God. 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:30.000 Now think about 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.740 what that's saying. 00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:33.459 The Lord is my shepherd 00:25:33.459 --> 00:25:34.519 with an emphasis on 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:36.740 I shall not want. 00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.619 I think Chuck Swindoll 00:25:39.619 --> 00:25:40.319 does a good job 00:25:40.319 --> 00:25:41.559 of explaining this point. 00:25:41.699 --> 00:25:42.139 Look at it. 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:44.179 He says the key thought 00:25:44.179 --> 00:25:44.740 is this, 00:25:45.139 --> 00:25:46.199 because the Lord 00:25:46.199 --> 00:25:46.899 is my shepherd 00:25:46.899 --> 00:25:49.220 I shall lack nothing. 00:25:49.579 --> 00:25:50.079 Some of you have 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:51.240 a translation that says 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.619 the Lord is my shepherd 00:25:52.619 --> 00:25:53.559 I shall lack nothing. 00:25:54.459 --> 00:25:55.079 Swindoll says 00:25:55.079 --> 00:25:56.219 no uncertainty 00:25:56.219 --> 00:25:58.079 should frighten me 00:25:58.079 --> 00:25:58.859 because the Lord 00:25:58.859 --> 00:25:59.439 is my shepherd. 00:26:00.219 --> 00:26:00.979 Look at what he says. 00:26:01.779 --> 00:26:03.019 I shall not lack 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:04.699 rest or provision. 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.099 Why? 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.299 He makes me 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:06.719 to lie down 00:26:06.719 --> 00:26:07.519 in green pastures. 00:26:08.059 --> 00:26:09.399 I shall not lack 00:26:09.399 --> 00:26:10.079 peace. 00:26:10.479 --> 00:26:10.859 Why? 00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:12.119 He leads me 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:13.199 beside quiet waters. 00:26:13.899 --> 00:26:15.000 I shall not lack 00:26:15.000 --> 00:26:16.719 restoration or encouragement 00:26:16.719 --> 00:26:17.579 when I faint, 00:26:17.939 --> 00:26:18.939 fail, or fall. 00:26:19.239 --> 00:26:19.459 Why? 00:26:20.059 --> 00:26:21.199 He restores my soul. 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:23.000 I shall not lack 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:24.580 guidance or fellowship. 00:26:24.980 --> 00:26:25.360 Why? 00:26:25.539 --> 00:26:26.759 He guides me 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:28.039 in the paths 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:29.140 of righteousness. 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.680 I shall not lack 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:31.920 courage when my way 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:32.519 is dark. 00:26:32.620 --> 00:26:33.039 Why? 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.620 Even though I walk 00:26:34.620 --> 00:26:35.120 through the valley 00:26:35.120 --> 00:26:36.039 of the shadow of death, 00:26:36.240 --> 00:26:37.360 I fear no evil 00:26:37.360 --> 00:26:38.259 for you 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:39.880 are with me. 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:41.580 I shall not lack 00:26:41.580 --> 00:26:42.600 companionship. 00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.220 Why? 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:45.279 You are with me. 00:26:45.279 --> 00:26:48.460 Can you honestly 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:50.000 say things like that? 00:26:51.859 --> 00:26:52.480 Can you honestly 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:54.680 say that you have 00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.160 come to the point 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:55.960 in your relationship 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:56.440 with the Lord 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:58.700 that you enjoy Him? 00:26:59.119 --> 00:27:00.019 You know Him. 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:00.500 You love Him. 00:27:00.660 --> 00:27:01.899 You enjoy Him. 00:27:01.899 --> 00:27:05.220 And you are content 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:08.119 with the things 00:27:08.119 --> 00:27:09.240 He has provided 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:10.399 for you. 00:27:10.400 --> 00:27:12.980 Now we're going 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.420 to be looking 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:14.400 at the many ways 00:27:14.400 --> 00:27:15.500 God provides for us 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:16.220 as we go on 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.160 in this series. 00:27:18.100 --> 00:27:18.560 But the main 00:27:18.560 --> 00:27:19.560 question now is 00:27:19.560 --> 00:27:21.500 does your 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.080 personal relationship 00:27:23.080 --> 00:27:23.580 with the Lord 00:27:23.580 --> 00:27:25.440 bring you 00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:26.200 joy 00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:28.280 and 00:27:28.280 --> 00:27:29.740 contentment? 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.019 Now 00:27:32.019 --> 00:27:33.880 I am not asking 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:35.440 if you're finding 00:27:35.440 --> 00:27:36.620 joy and contentment 00:27:36.620 --> 00:27:37.620 in the things 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:38.619 that God gives you. 00:27:41.219 --> 00:27:42.159 We're talking about 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:42.759 are you finding 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:44.059 joy and contentment 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:44.919 in God 00:27:44.919 --> 00:27:45.859 as your Heavenly Father 00:27:45.859 --> 00:27:47.000 and in Jesus Christ 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.679 as your Savior 00:27:47.679 --> 00:27:48.619 and Lord? 00:27:50.539 --> 00:27:51.339 Just about 00:27:51.339 --> 00:27:52.379 every Sunday 00:27:52.379 --> 00:27:54.379 my sons 00:27:54.379 --> 00:27:55.779 daughters-in-law 00:27:55.779 --> 00:27:57.279 and grandchildren 00:27:57.279 --> 00:27:58.859 come to our house 00:27:58.859 --> 00:27:59.479 for lunch. 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:02.059 Lisa and I 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.139 we get a lot 00:28:03.139 --> 00:28:03.919 of joy 00:28:03.919 --> 00:28:06.239 and contentment 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:08.299 by just 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:09.620 having them 00:28:09.620 --> 00:28:10.019 with us 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:10.460 like that. 00:28:12.140 --> 00:28:12.900 It has 00:28:12.900 --> 00:28:14.039 nothing to do 00:28:14.039 --> 00:28:15.240 with what they do 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:15.940 because they don't 00:28:15.940 --> 00:28:16.720 do a doggone thing 00:28:16.720 --> 00:28:17.220 but come and eat 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:17.660 our food. 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:23.839 Our joy 00:28:23.839 --> 00:28:25.339 comes from 00:28:25.339 --> 00:28:26.140 spending time 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:26.460 with them. 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.839 We are content 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:31.319 to know them 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:32.019 and love them 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:32.940 and experience 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:34.160 their love 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:36.940 and just 00:28:36.940 --> 00:28:37.560 share life 00:28:37.560 --> 00:28:37.900 with them. 00:28:39.900 --> 00:28:40.279 Well that's 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:40.720 how the Lord 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:41.440 wants us to 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:42.500 enjoy and be 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:43.440 content with 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:43.700 Him. 00:28:45.540 --> 00:28:46.540 And when that 00:28:46.540 --> 00:28:47.380 does happen 00:28:47.380 --> 00:28:49.900 we will be able 00:28:49.900 --> 00:28:50.480 to say 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:51.400 like David 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:53.519 because the Lord 00:28:53.519 --> 00:28:55.320 is my shepherd 00:28:55.320 --> 00:28:57.840 I have all 00:28:57.840 --> 00:28:58.680 that I need. 00:28:59.800 --> 00:29:00.460 Let's pray 00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:00.779 together. 00:29:00.779 --> 00:29:02.819 Lord 00:29:02.819 --> 00:29:05.139 show us 00:29:05.139 --> 00:29:05.480 now 00:29:05.480 --> 00:29:07.000 how you 00:29:07.000 --> 00:29:07.299 want us 00:29:07.299 --> 00:29:07.899 to respond. 00:29:09.359 --> 00:29:10.039 Show us 00:29:10.039 --> 00:29:10.740 as Christians 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:13.879 Lord 00:29:13.879 --> 00:29:14.059 if 00:29:14.059 --> 00:29:16.720 people in 00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.180 this room 00:29:17.180 --> 00:29:17.660 say 00:29:17.660 --> 00:29:19.839 I do 00:29:19.839 --> 00:29:20.480 enjoy my 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:20.920 relationship 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:21.460 with you. 00:29:22.460 --> 00:29:23.000 I am 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:23.660 content 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:26.079 in having 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:26.599 you 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:28.099 and what 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:28.740 you provide. 00:29:28.740 --> 00:29:30.259 affirm 00:29:30.259 --> 00:29:30.579 them 00:29:30.579 --> 00:29:31.099 their God. 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.240 Just draw 00:29:33.240 --> 00:29:33.779 them close 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:34.160 to you 00:29:34.160 --> 00:29:34.700 and affirm 00:29:34.700 --> 00:29:35.299 that kind 00:29:35.299 --> 00:29:36.279 of love 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.000 and commitment 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:37.980 and contentment. 00:29:39.819 --> 00:29:40.160 But Lord 00:29:40.160 --> 00:29:40.440 if that's 00:29:40.440 --> 00:29:40.940 not true 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:41.660 for Christians 00:29:41.660 --> 00:29:43.779 convict 00:29:43.779 --> 00:29:44.259 them 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:47.440 of their 00:29:47.440 --> 00:29:47.900 failure 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:48.420 to seek 00:29:48.420 --> 00:29:49.000 joy 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.700 in you 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:52.759 and be 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:53.359 content 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.900 in knowing 00:29:54.900 --> 00:29:55.400 you 00:29:55.400 --> 00:29:56.779 and having 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.160 what you 00:29:57.160 --> 00:29:57.720 provide. 00:29:58.740 --> 00:30:00.839 help 00:30:00.839 --> 00:30:00.980 them 00:30:00.980 --> 00:30:01.380 dear God 00:30:01.380 --> 00:30:01.960 to confess 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.279 their 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:03.279 selfishness 00:30:03.279 --> 00:30:04.900 or any 00:30:04.900 --> 00:30:05.279 kind of 00:30:05.279 --> 00:30:06.059 specific 00:30:06.059 --> 00:30:06.680 sin 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:08.000 that's 00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:08.940 keeping 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:09.299 them 00:30:09.299 --> 00:30:09.599 from 00:30:09.599 --> 00:30:10.900 enjoying 00:30:10.900 --> 00:30:11.279 you. 00:30:13.779 --> 00:30:14.400 Show 00:30:14.400 --> 00:30:14.599 them 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:14.900 how they 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:15.200 need to 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:15.839 change 00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:17.339 some 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:17.640 things 00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:17.920 in their 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:18.500 lives. 00:30:21.460 --> 00:30:22.240 And Lord 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:22.500 if there 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:22.880 are people 00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:23.120 in this 00:30:23.120 --> 00:30:23.259 room 00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:23.460 who are 00:30:23.460 --> 00:30:23.680 not 00:30:23.680 --> 00:30:24.099 believers 00:30:24.099 --> 00:30:24.259 believers 00:30:24.259 --> 00:30:26.599 don't let 00:30:26.599 --> 00:30:26.839 them 00:30:26.839 --> 00:30:27.459 rest 00:30:27.459 --> 00:30:28.259 easy 00:30:28.259 --> 00:30:30.119 till they 00:30:30.119 --> 00:30:31.759 turn from 00:30:31.759 --> 00:30:32.219 their sin 00:30:32.219 --> 00:30:32.759 and trust 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.299 Jesus. 00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:35.000 In fact 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:35.359 right now 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:35.899 God we pray 00:30:35.899 --> 00:30:36.099 that you 00:30:36.099 --> 00:30:36.319 will just 00:30:36.319 --> 00:30:36.980 overwhelm 00:30:36.980 --> 00:30:37.279 them 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:39.339 with 00:30:39.339 --> 00:30:39.959 brokenness 00:30:39.959 --> 00:30:40.359 over their 00:30:40.359 --> 00:30:40.740 sin 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:42.959 heartfelt 00:30:42.959 --> 00:30:43.899 repentance 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:46.579 and cause 00:30:46.579 --> 00:30:46.719 them 00:30:46.719 --> 00:30:47.119 their God 00:30:47.119 --> 00:30:47.480 to call 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:47.980 upon Jesus 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:48.539 to save 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:48.719 them 00:30:48.719 --> 00:30:49.339 to want 00:30:49.339 --> 00:30:49.759 that 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:51.140 and surrender 00:30:51.140 --> 00:30:51.640 their lives 00:30:51.640 --> 00:30:52.160 to him. 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.279 With every 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:55.799 head bowed 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.019 and every 00:30:56.019 --> 00:30:56.460 eye closed 00:30:56.460 --> 00:30:56.920 listen to 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:57.279 the Lord 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.660 and just 00:30:58.660 --> 00:30:59.339 obey him. 00:31:00.379 --> 00:31:00.759 It'll just 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:01.259 be a time 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:01.660 of your 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.200 personal 00:31:02.200 --> 00:31:02.920 commitment 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:03.799 so that 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.039 you can 00:31:04.039 --> 00:31:04.660 leave here 00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:05.339 knowing 00:31:05.339 --> 00:31:06.579 the Lord 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:07.879 is my 00:31:07.879 --> 00:31:08.619 shepherd.