Confidence In A Crisis
Even if you have never been to a church, there is a good chance you have already heard the words of Psalm 23. Not only is it one of the most well-known Psalms in the bible, it has many references in popular culture. Verses from the Psalm are referenced in movies from Gangster’s Paradise to Titanic and in lyrics from Pink Floyd, U2 and Kanye West, the famous hymn “The Lord is my Shepherd” is often sung at funerals, they were used by President Bush after the 9/11 attacks and even as the theme tune to the hugely successful 1990’s BBC TV Series the Vicar of Dibley.
At Potter’s House Wandsworth, we have been breaking down the Psalm over the last few sermons in or latest series PS:23. The series aims to give us clarity on how we can look to God for confidence in times of crisis, such as the global pandemic we are in now and in times of personal crisis also. Looking at the Psalm verse by verse shows us just why these words continue to be so widely quoted and helps use to understand that when we trust God, He is able to heal our soul, protect and provide for us, no matter how challenging life can become.
As we prepare to conclude the series, here is a quick recap of the Sermon’s we’ve heard so far:
My Shepherd (5th April)
23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The first sermon broke down what it really means to have Christ as our Shepherd and how, if we truly put our trust in Him, we shall want for nothing in our lives.
During both personal crisis and times of world crisis we often live with much uncertainty, but, if we turn towards the Lord, and give our anxieties to Him, our fears begin to subside and we grow in confidence. God gives us great hope and promise of a blessed future. Much like a sat-nav in our car gives us directions for our journey, Jesus gives us direction for, and can help us navigate our way through, challenging seasons in our own lives.
Green Pastures
23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
How often do you use the words “If only...”? Many times in our lives we often think the grass is greener on the other side. Modern culture teaches us that career, popularity, fame, wealth and material gains are the secret to happiness leading us to always desire more. Chasing the dream often leads to exhaustion and a feeling of missing out.
Jesus gives us the wisdom to realise and appreciate what we already have. When we come to Jesus, we learn to be content with what we already have. Jesus frees us from our fears, from conflict and cures our broken appetite by removing the desire to sin. You get so much more when you make the Lord your shepherd and rest in the Green pastures of God’s presence.
Still Waters
23:2 He leadeth me beside the still waters.
The human body is made up of 70% water. When we get thirsty, be become dehydrated which leads to a lack of energy, dizziness and confusion. We become weak and weary. God designed man to need water.
God also designed man to have a relationship with God. When we do not have a relationship with Him, our souls become dehydrated and we lack spiritual energy. The verse is summarising that if we have that relationship with God, He leads us to a place that will fulfil our deepest need and He will lead us to a place that will quench our spiritual thirst, a place where we can be still and content.
When we know God as our Lord and Father, we become free to love others, to be kind, to turn the other cheek and to ultimately be who we are meant to be in Christ!
Restores My Soul
23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
As men and women, we all make bad decisions. We see this right from the start of the bible when Adam sells out for the only one thing in the Garden of Eden God said he couldn’t have. Why do we risk everything for one moment of madness or pleasure?
No matter where we are in life, no matter what mistakes we have made, God can turn it around for us. We may feel guilty or undeserving, but God wants to restore us on to the right paths in life. Only He can bring true revival in our lives, but revival has to start with us. We have to seek Him first. Take a chance on God and give Him the praise for revival in your life – after all, He is staking his very name on your comeback story!
My Shepherd
23:4 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
Life is full of ups and downs. When all is going well in life, we often say we are on “top of the world”. Other times, life can be hard and we feel like we are stuck in a valley. At the present time, many countries are going through a difficult time, and being stuck at home can feel like we are in a personal valley as we become isolated from family, friends and from the church.
When we make the Lord our Shepherd, we trust Him to carry us through our valley moments in life and restore us to the mountain top. It is easy to trust God when life is going well, but the true test of our faith comes in the darkest moments. This is when we need to lean fully on God. He supports and protects us with his rod and his staff strengthens and comforts us.
Join us!
Join us every Sunday at 3PM and Wednesday at 7PM for our Online Sermon’s. We’ll be continuing our PS23 Series over the next few weeks.
Times may be challenging at present, but when we accept who we are in Christ, be still in his presence and allow Him to satisfy and provide for our every need, our next mountain top moment is just around the corner. Only when we make the Lord our Shepherd and place our trust in Him shall we truly want for nothing in our lives. We pray this series helps you to increase your faith in God and transforms your confidence in God.
Stay safe, stay connected with one another and via your Connect Groups and by His grace, we see you all soon.
May God Bless each and every one of you in Jesus mighty name.
Robert Clark