Greg Laurie - The Lord is My Shepherd

You know we live in such a crazy, chaotic, scary world right now. Fear is everywhere. People are so stressed out. War is around the world, violence is in our streets, and there’s an uncertain future. Social media only fuels this fear. And what we need is calm in the midst of the storm. We need an oasis in the middle of that hot desert, a safe place to retreat to.

Now, if you were to take your Bible, let’s try this as an experiment. How many of you have a Bible with you today? A Bible, not your tablet, not your phone. Okay, take your Bible and just kind of randomly open it in the middle. Just open it up in the middle, no particular place. Did it fall in the book of Psalms for any of you? Yes? That’s often the case. So if you basically open your Bible somewhere in the middle-I just opened mine and it opened up to the book of Psalms.

Now in this beautiful book that we’re studying together in this series that we’re calling «Psalms of David,» we have the pearl of the Psalms. We have the crown jewel of the Psalms: Psalm 23. So let’s read it now together, Psalm 23, and I’m reading from the King James Version. Now there are a lot of great translations, but I learned this in the King James Version and I still have it in my memory. And I’ll tell you what, it’s on the screen. So let’s all read it together. Ready?

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Isn’t that the best? Psalm 23. And that’s all you need to know. God bless, and goodbye. I could literally walk away now and we’ve already heard so much. But if you’re taking notes, because I’m a preacher, I have to give you a sermon now. Okay, so here’s point number one: Very simple, very obvious. The Lord is our shepherd. The Lord is our shepherd.

Now when we think of shepherds, we imagine an idyllic scene: a shepherd calmly watching over his tranquil little flock out in a field somewhere. Maybe the sun is setting. But actually, the shepherd was more than just a guy who watched over a flock of sheep. He was a warrior. He was a protector. He was a provider. David later wrote in Psalm 91, «He will cover you with His wings; you’ll be safe in His care. His faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight.»

Listen to this: No matter what you are facing, remember the Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, is your shepherd. One night, probably watching over his flock, David wrote these words in Psalm 8: «When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that You have set into place, what is man that You should think of him? What are human beings that You should care for them?» How true.

You know, when I was in Maui a couple of trips ago, I went out one night and just looked up. Oh my goodness, you could see so many stars there. I thought, what is the problem with California? It’s the same night sky, but it’s just beautiful and clear and you can see so much. You could just lay down on the beach and look up and see the handiwork of God. And when you do that, you’re reminded of the fact that your Father made all of those things.

Astronomers estimate there are more than 100 billion galaxies, and in each galaxy, there are more than 100 billion stars. And each of these was created by God, and each has a name according to Scripture. Your Father, your God, your shepherd created all of those. And notice that David does not say, «The Lord is a shepherd.» Though He is a shepherd, he says, «The Lord is my shepherd.» See, this is personal: The Lord is my shepherd. The Lord is your shepherd.

I love how we’re told over in Jeremiah that God says, «I know the thoughts that I think toward you,» says the Lord, «thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.» He could have just said, «I know the thoughts that I think toward everyone.» And that would have been true, but that’s not what He said. «I know the thoughts that I think toward you.» This is personal.

The Lord is your shepherd. Paul said, «Christ loved me and gave Himself for me.» Oh, it’s true, Christ died for the whole world. Jesus said it best: «For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.» But Paul personalized it: «He gave Himself for me.» The Lord is your shepherd. God has particular thoughts that are good toward you as an individual. Even if others forget you, God never forgets you.

Number two: God is our shepherd, and we are His sheep. We are His sheep. And that is not a compliment. Sheep are really one of the dumbest animals on the face of the earth. He could have said we’re a lot of things. He could have said we’re His dolphins. Dolphins are very intelligent. Uh, we’re His dogs even. Even cats do better than sheep. We have a cat in our neighborhood. I love this cat. I know you think I hate cats; I actually like some cats.

And I like this cat. He’s old and wise and has no fear. And I saw him the other day; he was just walking across the street like he was a lion. He acts like he’s a lion. He’s walking across the street, and some person is walking a dog, and the dog starts lunging at this cat, and the person is holding it back with a leash. And the cat just looks at him like, «Hey, you’re looking at me. You want some of this?» You know, forget about it.

I mean, I don’t know why I made him Italian all of a sudden or a New Yorker, but I just love the attitude of this cat. You know, cats have skills. They can jump so high. They can fall from great heights and survive. You’ve heard the expression, «A cat has nine lives.» They’ve got their claws; they’ve got their teeth. Sheep have nothing. They can’t run, they can’t claw, they can’t bite. They’re like lamb chops for the taking. You might as well just walk around with mint jelly: «Here I am; make a sweater out of my fur and then have me for lunch. It’ll all be good.»

They are completely dependent upon the shepherd. Did you read that news story about 300 sheep in China who walked around in a circle for 12 days? There was a story in the news everywhere, and there’s this video of the sheep just walking in a circle. People were trying to figure out why the sheep were doing that. Who can explain this mystery? I’ll explain it for you right now: Why did the sheep walk in a circle for 12 days? Simple answer: because they’re stupid. Yes, it’s true! These are not smart animals.

And it’s interesting that the Bible compares us to sheep because we’re just like them. The Bible says, «All we like sheep have gone astray; we’ve turned everyone to his own way.» So the way the whole circle of sheep probably got started is one sheep said, «Uh, I’m going to walk around in a circle. Who wants to join me?» The other sheep said, «Let’s go, everybody! We’re going in a circle; it won’t be that bad.» And on they went.

And you know it’s interesting because in Psalm 23, David writes, «The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters; He restores my soul.» Then he says, «Yea, 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.»

So a shepherd of that time would have two primary instruments: a staff-that long, crooked instrument to pull in the wayward sheep-and a rod, which is basically a club. He would use it to discipline a wayward sheep and to also deal with predators. Listen, God loves you so much that He is going to keep you in line. And when you go astray, He’ll use that staff: «Now come on back! Don’t do that anymore! You’re not listening to me.»

And He might have to use the rod: «Whack! Are you listening to me? I’m doing this for your own good.» God loves you. And discipline in your life from God is a reminder that He loves you. So remember to walk closely with Him.

He has a plan and a purpose for your life that is better than any plan you have for yourself. Something to think about. Number three: Our shepherd is our provider. Our shepherd is our provider. Verse one: «The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.» He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

Not only are our sheep defenseless, they’re also helpless. They’re completely dependent on the shepherd for provision. And you are too.

«Well, Greg, I don’t know. I mean, yes, but also I’ve built an amazing career. Through my hard work, my brilliant investments, my shrewd decisions, and my deep humility, I’ve become the success that I am.» And there’s no question that many people, often entrepreneurial folks, go out and accomplish great things and make a lot of money. But just remember-God gave you the ability to do that.

We’re told over in Deuteronomy 8:18, «Remember the Lord your God; it is He who gives you the power to get wealth.» Because the bottom line is that beat of your heart right now-that’s a gift to you from God, not a gift from you to you. You can try to be the healthiest person you can potentially be, take care of yourself, and eat right, but still, that beat of your heart-that’s a gift from God. The thought in your head-that’s a gift from God. Everything that you have has been given to you by Him. The breath you just drew in your lungs?

I read an interesting quote, a sad quote really, from Steve Jobs when he was on his deathbed. And he made this statement: «At this moment, lying on the bed sick and remembering all of my life, I realize that all of my recognition and wealth that I have is meaningless in the face of imminent death. One can find material things, but there’s one thing that cannot be found when it is lost -it’s life.»

So when you’re laying on your deathbed and you realize you don’t have much longer to live, you realize what a precious gift life is. That’s why you don’t want to waste your life and squander your life that God has given to you. Jesus said, «What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?»

But listen to this: When the Lord is your shepherd, you will not want. You’ll find contentment. Paul wrote in Philippians 4, «I’ve learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything, but I’ve learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it’s with a full stomach or an empty one, with plenty or little.» The secret of contentment? What is the secret of contentment? It’s not what you have; it’s who you know.

Over in Hebrews 13:5, Paul writes-or the author of Hebrews writes rather, «Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you or forsake you.'» Do you have Jesus? Then you have more than enough. Now maybe you’d like a little more money or a little more of this or a little more of that, but the contentment comes from your relationship with God. So you can say, «The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.» Contentment should be the hallmark of the godly person.

Number four: Our shepherd is our restorer. He restores us. Coming back to what he says: «The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters; He restores my soul.»

Oh yeah, sheep need restoration. Jesus told the story of a shepherd who had 100 sheep. One went astray, so he left the 99 and searched for that one stray lamb until he found it. He wrapped it around his shoulders and came back rejoicing. And then he said, «In the same way, there’s rejoicing in heaven over every sinner that comes to repentance.» That’s, by the way, in Luke chapter 15.

And in that same sequence of teachings, Jesus then tells the story of the prodigal son. That wayward boy ran away from home, went to a distant land, spent all of his money, and drugged the family name through the gutter. Finally, he came to his senses and returned home, never expecting to be treated as a son. He thought he had forfeited that.

He just thought, «If I can just get a job working for my dad, that’s even better than the way I’m living now.» But when the father saw him a great way off-and Jesus told the story to show us what God is like-the father saw him and threw his arms around his son and said, «Son, welcome home!»

And he put new clothes on him and a ring on his finger signifying sonship. And then he said, «This my son who was dead is alive again, and he who was lost is now found.» So here’s the point: We may go astray, but that doesn’t stop us from being children of God. You don’t lose your relationship with God; you just lose your fellowship with God.

And sometimes sheep go astray as well; it’s called being cast down. So what happens is a sheep will wander off on its own, and they’ll get cast down. David even wrote about this in Psalm 42: «Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why are you disturbed within me?» So what it means to be cast down is a sheep-usually the fat ones, I might add-will be eating. He’ll lay on his side and then he rolls onto his back, maybe in a little ravine or a little ditch, and he gets stuck on his back.

Sort of like a turtle-you know how they can’t get back up? He’s stuck on his back. That’s called being cast down. So the sheep’s there stuck. He has his little life alert: «I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.» And the only way that sheep is going to be restored is if the shepherd walks up to the sheep, picks him up, and puts him back on his feet again.

And we get cast down as well. So David says, «Why are you cast down, O my soul?» That’s what he’s referring to. «Why are you so disturbed within me?» And then correcting his thinking, he says, «Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.»

Christians also fall prey to sin when we become complacent and lower our guards. David later in his life, of course, fell into sin with Bathsheba, and that story begins with: «At the time when kings go forth to battle, David was on his rooftop.» So he’s kind of resting. He’s not leading his troops as he normally did. He’s idle. He sees the beautiful Bathsheba bathing herself, and you know the rest of that story.

And then Nathan comes and confronts him and says, «God knows what you’ve done; you need to repent of this.» And when a believer goes astray, our objective should be to restore them, not destroy them. «He restoreth my soul.» And we should seek to restore others because we all stumble and fall. We all get cast down at times. We all mess up. «He restoreth my soul,» and we should want to restore others as well.

Paul writes in Galatians 6: «Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by a sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path and be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.»

Okay, so number five: Our shepherd is our guide. Our shepherd is our guide. David writes, verse four: «Yea, 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.»

Am I talking to somebody right now that’s in a very deep, dark, scary valley, so to speak? Perhaps it was unexpected circumstances that have overwhelmed you. Perhaps it was a time-or is a time-where you even feel that God has abandoned you. Maybe it’s a valley of sickness. Maybe it’s a legal problem. Maybe it’s a family problem. Maybe it’s some other kind of problem, an addiction problem. And you’re in this valley, and it seems like you’re never going to get out of it.

Well, David was no stranger to calamity and hardship. He knew what it was like to suffer. He had been through the valley of the shadow of death after he was anointed king. What a wonderful day that was! But immediately, King Saul, threatened by this upstart, makes it the mission of his life to kill David. And David has to literally go into the wilderness and flee.

And then later, after David ascended to the throne and became king, his own son Absalom turned on him and betrayed him, and he was running from Absalom. So he knew what it was like to go through valleys. And I know we’ll say, «I don’t do valleys, Lord; I just do mountaintops. I just like the good times when the sun is out and the birds are singing and the sky is blue. I don’t want to go through those valleys!»

But the fact of the matter is, if you want to get to that mountaintop, you’re going to have to go through that valley first. But you’re going to learn things in that valley you will not learn anywhere else. Listen to this: Fruit does not grow on mountaintops; it grows in valleys. When I say fruit, I’m talking about spiritual fruit. Job talked about the suffering he went through, and he says, «God knows where I’m going, and when He tests me, I will come out as pure gold.»

So whatever you’re going through, there’s a purpose. There’s meaning in it; it’s not random. God’s in control. «Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.» David did not write, «Yea, though I collapse and die in the valley of the shadow of death,» nor did he say, «Yea, though I crawl through the valley of the shadow of death.»

He said, «Yea, though I walk through the valley.» In other words, I’m going to keep walking. I’m going to get up, and I’m going to keep walking forward. I’m going to keep moving, and God is going to get me through it. Your shepherd did not say, «You’re merely going to go to the valley.» He said, «You’re going to go through the valley.» You’re going to get through your valley. You’re going to get through your storm.

Number six: Our shepherd loves us. Our shepherd loves us. Look at verse four: «Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.» Now do you know what a rod and a staff are? So a staff-that’s that long, crooked instrument we so often associate with a shepherd. And a rod? It’s a club.

So the staff was used to pull in a wayward sheep. So if the sheep’s going astray, the shepherd reaches out with a staff and pulls them in. If the sheep goes astray again, the shepherd repeats it and keeps using it. But then you have that one wayward sheep that won’t stop going astray. And we already found out what happens when one walks off a cliff. So the shepherd may have to use a rod and give the sheep a good whack.

Better to have a broken leg than to be leg of lamb. So in the same way in our lives, God uses the staff: «Now, Greg, I don’t want you to do that. Come on back here now. Hey, I don’t want you to do that. Christine, you come back over here. Hey, I don’t want you to do that. Josh -that’s not my plan for you. Hey, Sarah, that’s not where I want you to go!»

And you disobey, and you disobey, and the Lord says, «Don’t make me use this rod, but I will if I have to!» And then He uses it, and we say, «God doesn’t love me.» Now that’s actually an indication that God does love you. You say, «How do you get to that?»

Because Jesus said in Revelation 3:19, «I correct and discipline everyone I love.» Okay? So if you’re being disciplined by God, that is a reminder you are a child of God and you are loved by God. On the other hand, if you can go into blatant, open, outright sin without any conviction or any remorse or any guilt, I’m concerned for your soul. But if you have those pangs of guilt, it means your conscience is working. His rod and His staff, they comfort us.

Okay, point number seven -we’re almost done: Our shepherd will protect us and get us safely to heaven. Our shepherd will protect us and get us safely to heaven. Drop down to verse five: «You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over.» Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Christian has three primary enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world, with its allure, is the external foe. The flesh, with its evil enticements, is the internal foe. And Satan, with his temptations, is the infernal foe. So, the world, the flesh, and the devil. And every day, we’re going to get bombarded by temptation coming in some way, shape, or form.

But God promises He’ll prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. By the way, this is a table for two: you and Jesus. The devil is not invited. Don’t give the devil a seat at your table. Don’t let him enter the conversation. The Bible says, «Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.» The problem is we’ll say, «I’m not going to give in to what you’re offering, but just for the record, what are you offering? Let’s hear it.»

Well, he’s happy to give you a little sample. He’s happy to let you take a test drive. He’s happy to show what he has that will ultimately pull you down, so you don’t allow that. You are the air controller of your mind. You are the DJ of your set list. You decide what songs are going to be played-not somebody else, not the devil. You decide. Don’t give the devil a seat at your table.

And I love how he ends, «And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.» I’m going to get through this valley. I’m going to get through the challenges of life. My shepherd will lovingly receive me into His presence on that final day. Listen to this: Only the person who has said, «The Lord is my shepherd» can also say «I shall not want.» And only the person who says, «The Lord is my shepherd» can also say, «And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.»