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PSALM 23

"THE LIFE WITHOUT WANT"

I. THE SHEPHERD'S PSALM.
        A. Actually three separate aspects shown.
                1. God as Shepherd.
                2. God as our Guide.
                3. God as our Host.
        B. Christ said, "I am the Good Shepherd" decades past. "Fear not little flock" It
           is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

II. GOD AS THE SHEPHERD "I SHALL NOT WANT."
        A. I might want otherwise.
                1. I shall not want temporal things-"Does He not feed the birds of
                   the air?"
                2. I shall not want spirituals - "as thy day is". I may not possess
                   all I wish for but "I shall not want."
        B. Others far wealthier may want.
                1. "The young lions do lack & suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord
                   shall not want any good thing."
                2. Come what may of famine or calamity, "I shall not want."
        C. The sinner's heart is far from satisfaction, but a gracious spirit dwells
           in a palace of content.
        D. I shall not want provision - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."
                1. What are the "green pastures"?
                        a. The scriptures of truth, always fresh, always rich,
                           never exhausted.
        E. I shall not want for refreshment, "He leadeth me beside the still waters."
                1. What are the still waters?  The influence of the Holy Spirit. 
                2. We could not go there ourselves, we need guidance -"He leadeth me."
        F. I shall not want for strength -"He restoreth my soul."

III. GOD OUR GUIDE.
        A. "He leadeth me in paths of righteousness"- driveth.
                1. It may be through the "valley of the shadow of death."
                        a. Walking no quickened pace.
                        b. Walking not in the valley, but through.
                        c. Not valley of death, but shadow of death.
                                1. The substance has been removed, only the
                                   shadow remains.
                                2. When a shadow, must be light.
                                3. No one afraid of shadow.
                                           Shadow of dog can't bite.
                                           Shadow of sword can't kill
                                           shadow of death can't destroy.
                2. Thus "I will fear no evil."
                        a. For thou art with me.
                        b. Rod & staff a comfort (defense. (to lean upon).

IV. GOD AS HOST.
        A. "Prepare a table before me in presence of my enemies."
                1. This is sustenance, He provides it.
        B. Thou anointest my head with oil.
                1. Oil of gladness.
        C. My cup runneth over.
                1. This is abundance-everything I need.
        D. Surely Goodness & Mercy - two qualities personified attendants waiting on me.

And then at the end of earthly pilgrimage "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."