Psalm 23 Comments
D.L. Moody's sermon on Psalm 23 emphasizes the Good Shepherd's care, protection, provision, presence, and future for His flock.
D.L. Moody reflects on Psalm 23, emphasizing the profound care of the Lord as our Shepherd who provides for our needs and protects us from harm. He illustrates the peace and rest that God offers, likening it to green pastures and still waters, and highlights the importance of recognizing these moments of tranquility amidst life's struggles. Moody encourages believers to embrace the quiet resting places God provides, such as sleep, the Sabbath, and times of prayer, which renew our spirits and strengthen our faith. He reassures that with God as our guardian, we need not fear any adversities that may come our way.
Text
Psalm 23 comments from D. L. Moody's Bibles:
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want" -- a lean scraggy sheep with torn limbs & tattered fleece, would be small credit to the shepherd's care; but unless we will wander from Him, and will not remain restfully under His protection, there is no fear of such ever being our lot.
No Lion or Bear can ever surprise our ever-watchful guardian or overcome our Almighty Deliverer.
Psalm 23
Beneath me: green pastures.
Beside me: still waters.
With me: my Shepherd,
Before me: a table.
Around me: mine enemies.
After me: goodness and mercy.
Beyond me: the house of the Lord.
Psalm 23 a.
This suggests the rest into which our Good Shepherd leads His flock. Life is not all toil. God gives us many quiet resting places in our pilgrim way. Night is one of these, when, after the day's toil, struggle, and exhaustion, we are led aside, and the curtains are drawn to shut out the noise and He giveth His beloved sleep, in sleep giving the wonderful blessings of renewal. The Sabbath is another of these quiet resting places. God would have us drop our worldly tasks, and have a day for the refreshing of both body and soul. . . . .
Friendship's trusts are also quiet resting places, where heart may commune with heart, where Jesus comes, too, unseen, and gives His blessing. All ordinances of Christian worship--seasons of prayer and devotion, hours of communion with God--are quiet resting places. Far more than we are apt to realize do we need these silent times in our busy life, needing them all the more the busier the life may be. -- J. R. Miller
Sermon Outline
- The Shepherd's Care
- The Shepherd's Protection
- The Shepherd's Provision
- The Shepherd's Presence
- The Shepherd's Future
- Goodness and mercy after us
- The house of the Lord beyond us
Key Quotes
“No lion or bear can ever surprise our ever-watchful guardian or overcome our Almighty Deliverer.” — D.L. Moody
“God gives us many quiet resting places in our pilgrim way.” — D.L. Moody
“He giveth His beloved sleep, in sleep giving the wonderful blessings of renewal.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- We should remain under the protection of the Good Shepherd to avoid want and harm.
- We need to prioritize quiet resting places in our busy lives to find rest and renewal.
- The Good Shepherd is always with us, guiding and protecting us, and providing for our needs.