The message was presented by Rev. Tim Powers on July 26, 2026.
Psalm 23 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.
Verses 1-3 of this Psalm David speaks about the Shepherd. In verses 4-6 he speaks to the Shepherd. We will deal with 1-3 today. John 10 hadn’t been said/written yet. David said it here: HE is the Good Shepherd. He sustains us. He takes care of us. David was around sheep his entire life. Here’s what to know. Sheep are stupid. That’s why they need a shepherd.
Our Shepherd is a personal one: my Shepherd. He keeps sheep from doing stupid things. He guides and chastises us. It’s also personal when David says, “I shall not want.” Faith in Him is the key. The identity of the Shepherd is in “The Lord is my shepherd.” Not the government. Not me. The Lord. David knew how to care for a sheep when it got hurt or sick, when it was birthing a lamb. This is a picture of what Jesus does for us. That is what makes Him the Good Shepherd.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: After being born again Jesus takes us to pastures to help us grow. He makes sure that we can grow in the grace and knowledge He intends. He leadeth me beside the still waters: Sheep are scared of a strong current. The shepherd leads them to still waters. Jesus leads us to these waters to be refreshed. It’s not the raging water of the world. Still waters clear us, clean us; this comes through the Word of God. Philippians 4:19 says that He supplies all our needs. Even when Jesus fed the thousands, He sat them down in the pastures. He leads. Sheep are restless. They roam. They won’t lie down if they’re afraid, hungry, or feeling threatened. Sheep are defenseless. Jesus said the heavy laden can come to Him and rest. That’s what a shepherd does. He’s the protection for the sheep. They listen to his voice. Our Shepherd will be with every one of us this week. So many are facing medical things. He’ll be there. The battle has already been won. We find peace in Jesus. He feeds us through His Word. Think about it. Chew on it again and again.
He restoreth my soul: He brings us back. No matter what you may have done, the Lord forgives and restores. David sinned. He paid for what he did, yet God restored him. Sin leaves scars. Debts need to be paid. But God does forgive and restore. Put faith in Him and He will lead you in the paths of righteousness.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 