Week of May 15, 2016

THE "POWERFUL P'S" OF PSALM 23

I bring this study of Psalm 23 to show the impact this song of David should have on our lives.  Some years ago I heard of another pastor who presented these same points from this passage.  I gladly share his thoughts along with my own.  Scripture taken from the NKJV

The Powerful "P" of Possession - Verse 1
"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."
Have you taken "possession" of Christ?  As we possess Christ as our Shepherd we must understand that He possessed us first!  And in our possession of Him we have everything we need.

Connection to the NT - John 10.  Jesus is the Great Shepherd, the One searches for His lost sheep and brings them into the fold.  The One who cares for them as we will see in the other Powerful "P's" of this Psalm. 
Taking possession of Jesus is what happens at Salvation - He becomes ours as we trust Him as our Savior.  It's the most important part of this Psalm!  If Christ isn't my Shepherd then I don't get to enjoy what the Shepherd will only do for His sheep!

The Powerful "P" of Position - Verse 2 
"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters."
As we follow our Shepherd we find Him placing us just in the right place, not only geographically, but more so, spiritually.  We are positioned where we can benefit most from His care.

The Powerful "P" of Pardon - Verse 3
"He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
Our Shepherd loves us enough to correct us and restore us to where we ought to be and then, He sets us back on the right path to follow Him in a life of righteousness.

The Powerful "P" of Protection - Verse 4
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
Through the darkest experiences of our lives we find the Shepherd as close as ever.  He is not only with us but He also constantly protects us with His power and love.

The Powerful "P" of Provision - Verse 5
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over."
Our Shepherd provides our daily bread and everything else that is needed to bring refreshment and abundance into our lives.

The Powerful "P" of Prospect - Verse 6
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Our final destination is to be with our Shepherd forever!  This is His promise and our anticipation.