1. In Psalm 139 David wrote about 2 of God's attributes. 2. In Psalm 23 David showed how "God richly blesses His sheep." Discussion: I. (vs.1a) DAVID FIRST MENTIONED HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD
A. David wrote most of this Psalm (vs.1-4) from the perspective of a shepherd. B. As he did so, David first showed that he had an intimate relationship with God by saying, "The Lord is my shepherd." II. (vs.1b-6) DAVID NEXT LISTED 12 SPECIAL BLESSINGS HE RECEIVED BECAUSE HE HAD MADE THE LORD HIS SHEPHERD
A. Contentment: "I shall not want" (vs.1b). 1. God is the provider of all good blessings (James 1:17). 2. He will bless His faithful sheep with the necessities of life (Matthew 6:33). 3. This assurance helps God's people to be content (1 Timothy 6:6). B. Providence: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" (vs.2a). 1. Shepherds constantly lead their sheep in search of rich pastures. 2. In addition to providing green pastures for His sheep, God causes His sheep to lie down in them (Ezekiel 34:14-15). C. Peace: "He leadeth me beside the still waters" (vs.2b). 1. "Still waters" are quiet and peaceful. 2. Storms may occasionally arise, but the Lord can calm them (Mark 4:35-39). D. Restoration: "He restoreth [turns back] my soul" (vs.3a). 1. God's people may drift away from Him, but He will restore those who repent. 2. David dealt with this principle in Psalm 32:1-5. E. Direction: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (vs.3b). 1. Man is unable to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). 2. However, God provides direction through His Word (Psalm 119:105). 3. As God's people follow His Word, we are led in "the paths of righteousness." F. Courage: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" (vs.4a). 1. David's courage was based on God's protection (1 Samuel 17:34-37). 2. God still supplies courage to His children (2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:6). G. Companionship: "Thou art with me" (vs.4b). 1. God promised to be with Joshua as he led the Israelites (Joshua 1:9). 2. The Lord has promised to be with His followers today (Matthew 28:20). H. Comfort: "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (vs.4c). 1. The shepherd used his rod and staff to guide and defend his sheep. 2. David referred to them as symbols of God's guidance and care (1 Peter 5:7). I. Favor: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil" (vs.5a). 1. God is pictured as a feast giver who favors His people, even before enemies. 2. Anointing the head with oil is an illustration of God's favor. J. Abundance: "My cup runneth over" (vs.5b). 1. Throughout this Psalm God is shown to be a great provider for His children. 2. This statement illustrates how God abundantly blesses His children. K. Assurance: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (vs.6a). 1. David was confident that God would bless him with goodness and mercy. 2. David did not change his mind, as he grew older (Psalm 37:25-26). L. Immortality: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever" (vs.6b). Conclusion:
1. Over the centuries multitudes of people have received comfort, encouragement, and instruction from David's Psalms. 2. Psalm 139 emphasizes 2 of God's great attributes. 3. Psalm 23 emphasizes 12 special blessings that God provides for His sheep. 4. Have you become His sheep?
