How Sweet It Is
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Introduction
I. God’s goodness is seen in His provision for His own. (Vv 1-3)
I. God’s goodness is seen in His provision for His own. (Vv 1-3)
want - to be lacking, “I shall not be in want.” All I need will be provided.
makes me lie down - not forces; The idea is that the shepherd finds a place where the sheep can graze as well as lie down and rest. The ideas of rest and refreshment are combined. He cause sheep to lie down in green pastures rather than desert places.
still waters - no danger of sheep being caught in current. Drink leisurely.
restores my soul - restore vitality or strength; to invigorate. This is the result of God’s care seen in verse 2. “He renews them so that they feel life in the presence of God is good and worth living” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary).
paths of righteousness - “He leads me along right paths” (HCSB). The paths are those which are best for the welfare of the sheep.
for His name’s sake - because His honor is at stake, the welfare of the sheep reflects on the shepherd. Also may have this idea: “because that’s the kind of God He is.”
Here we see God’s goodness in the provision of nourishment, rest, and guidance. All that we need to live and thrive.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
God’s shepherds us through His Son. It is in Christ that we experience the overwhelming goodness of God’s provision for our every need.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
It is in knowing Christ that we all we need for life and godliness. In addition to physical provision:
nourishment (Word of God/Holy Spirit) “milk of the word”
rest (from trying to earn salvation)
guidance (Word of God/Holy Spirit)
In His overwhelming goodness God gives us an abundance of everything we need to live as happy, healthy sheep. And there’s another way we see God’s goodness.
II. God’s goodness is seen in His protection of His own. (V 4)
II. God’s goodness is seen in His protection of His own. (V 4)
valley of the shadow of death - verse speaks primarily of the shepherd’s ability to keep the sheep oout of danger.
pictures seasonal passage from lowlands in winter, to high pastures in summer.
Valleys can be places of danger. Wild animals lurk in broken canyon walls. Sudden storms sweep along valley floors.
shadows due to sun not shining into valley very well.
But in spite of the danger:
“I will fear NO evil.”
Reason for no fear:
You are with me (Rod and staff symbolizes God’s presence and protection)
rod - used to club animals
Rod and staff
staff - keep sheep in control, rescue with shepherd’s crook.
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Movie “Blindside”: LeAnn Tuhoy takes Mike to a store to get some clothes that will fit him. It’s in a bad part of town. She expresses her concern for her own welfare. Mike says, “Don’t worry. I got your back.” She could feel safe because Mike was more than big enough to protect her.
Not only is God big enough that He can protect you. He is good enough that He will protect you.
not from danger, but from harm
not from pain, but from the clutches of evil
Because of Christ, our Good Shepherd:
We will never perish.
the chains
We have the whole armor of God to protect us from the wiles of the devil.
How comforting that the devil’s arm can’t reach me.
He can fire his darts but his arm can’t reach me.
The goodness of God is seen so clearly in His provision for us and in His protection of us. But that’s still not all.
III. God’s goodness is seen in His presence with His own. (Vv 5-6)
III. God’s goodness is seen in His presence with His own. (Vv 5-6)
Metaphor switches from shepherd to host.
figures of speech clearly different (table, anointing the head, cup, house of the Lord)
Invited into God’s presence (house) for a feast.
presence of my enemies - Since God is the host, the psalmist’s enemies are no threat to him. He is in God’s presence, under God’s care.
anoint head/cup overflows - To rub a guest’s head with olive oil was part of the prescribed etiquette followed by an attentive host as he welcomed his guests. In Palestine, where the sun shines fiercely most of the year and the temperatures continually soar up into the hundreds, the skin becomes cracked and broken and throats become parched. Oil soothes the skin, particularly the face. Wine clears the throat. The overflowing cup suggests the generosity of God.
anointing/wine - Spirit/blood (both ours in Christ)
goodness and mercy shall follow me - goodness and steadfast love will accompany me always. God’s presence with me guarantees I will always know His goodness and love.
And ultimately we will dwell with Him forever.
Big Idea: Worship God because His goodness to His own is overwhelming.
Big Idea: Worship God because His goodness to His own is overwhelming.
Study Guide
Why do you think so many people see the bad in situations or people before they see the good? How does this affect our walk with God? What can Christians do to reverse this trend in our lives?
Thousands of years ago, contemplating God’s good care of him, David said, “ lack nothing.” Have you ever been this content? Why or why not?
What does verse 2 tell you about how God cares for your needs?
What kind of paths does God lead David down? What is God’s motive in leading David this way?
Why might you find comfort and reassurance in God’s rod and staff (v. 4)? How do these two images help you “fear no evil” even while walking through the “valley of the shadow of death”?
David shifts in verses 5-6 from envisioning God as a Shepherd to describing Him as the host of a banquet. Do any of God’s actions in verse 5 surprise you? How is verse 6 more than just a promise for the future?
Write a prayer expressing worship to God in light of His goodness revealed in . Be prepared to share your prayer with the group.