Making Sense of the Shepherd's Psalm

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Mid-week Bible Study Springfield Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Sturdivant—Teacher

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. 4 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

“……………….I shall not want.” In the context of this verse, the word want has two meanings: 1. not lacking or not deficient 2. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________. Does this clause mean we, as God’s sheep, will never be in want? • ____________. Examine Phil. 4:19. • God NEVER promised to supply all of our wants. He did promise to supply all of our _____________________! David is not referring to material or physical property. • When David says “I shall not want” he means “I shall not lack _______________________________________________________. • It is not that the Shepherd gives us everything we want, but that we as sheep are __________________ with His care. CONTENTMENT means 1. I am completely satisfied with my Shepherd’s _____________. 2. I am overwhelmed by my Shepherd’s ____________________.

The fact that I SHALL NOT WANT, reveals to me the second of six blessings

believers can claim in the 23rd Psalm.

Blessing #2: THE LORD WILL TAKE CARE OF ME!!!