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KEY VERSE: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
TEXT: Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
MESSAGE:
We live in a world that trumps up personal freedom and liberty. We are taught by society to defend our fundamental human rights as individuals. What this simply means in plain terms, is to live without any check, to define and pursue our narrow self-interest and to disregard guidance and leading from any quarter. But a Christian who is so self-centred is on a downward slide that would inevitably end in disaster and heartache.
Recognising this, David surrendered his individual rights and preferences to God, and promptly embraced the protection that the Lord offered. He acknowledged the Lord as his Shepherd who had ensured that he did not lack anything good. He saw that God was guiding him to places where he would find refreshing sustenance. Whenever he went astray, God restored him to fellowship and led him on the path of integrity and righteousness. With time, he became confident that even if he faced death, he had no cause to be afraid because God was with him.
