Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, 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 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
What is stress?
Stress is OUR bodies reaction to threat, real or perceived.
But GOD NEVER designed us to LIVE IN STRESS RESPONSE MODE.
What is Antitode? Substance counteracts the effects of a poison or toxin
How Having a Shepherd Reduces Stress
1. The Shepherd Meet my needs
Declare OUT LOUD: I am a sheep, not the shepherd
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures
Matthew 9:36 He saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered, like a sheep with no shepherd!
I lack nothing – I shall not want
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
2. The Shepherd Gives Rest
Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
Hebrews 4:9 "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
The Shepherd refreshes my soul
Psalm 23:2-3 he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4. The Shepherd Guides my life
Psalm 23:3b He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you
5. The Shepherd is close in dark times
Psalm 23:4b Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Going through a valley is not listed as an option.
What is an option is whether you go through it alone or with a shepherd
6. The Shepherd Will Defend Me
Matthew 11:28 Message translation
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
