Our Shepherd

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is a comforting reminder that our Shepherd is always with us, providing rest and guidance in times of need. Just as a good shepherd tends to its flock, God lovingly cares for His children, giving them the gift of sleep and peace. We are encouraged to trust in His goodness and provision, knowing that He will lead us through life's challenges.

Key Scripture References

• Psalms 23:1-4 - This passage is a beautiful expression of God's love and care for His people. The Shepherd provides rest in green pastures, leading His sheep to places where they can safely graze and grow. He goes before us, preparing the way and making sure we have everything we need.
• Psalms 23:4 - In this verse, David writes that God makes him lie down in green pastures, indicating a deep sense of trust and reliance on His Shepherd's care. This is not just a metaphorical expression; it speaks to the real-life experience of finding rest and peace in God's presence.
• Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus teaches that He came to give us rest, saying "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This is a direct promise from our Shepherd, encouraging us to come to Him with our burdens and find peace in His presence.
• John 10:27-30 - Jesus says that He gives eternal life to those who believe in Him, and no one can snatch them out of His hand. This is a powerful assurance of God's love and commitment to us, reminding us that we are safe in His care.
• Romans 8:28 - This verse reminds us that God works all things together for good, even when life gets difficult or uncertain. Our Shepherd is always at work, using our experiences to shape us into the people He wants us to be.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 - We are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. This means surrendering our worries and fears to God's care, trusting that He will guide us through life's challenges.
• Psalm 121:1-8 - This psalm reminds us of God's constant presence in our lives, saying "The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." Our Shepherd is always with us, watching over and protecting us.

Key Takeaways

• We can trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He will lead us through life's challenges. This means surrendering our worries and fears to His care, trusting that He will guide us through uncertain times.
• Our Shepherd is always with us, providing rest and guidance in times of need. We are encouraged to come to Him with our burdens and find peace in His presence.
• God works all things together for good, even when life gets difficult or uncertain. Our Shepherd is always at work, using our experiences to shape us into the people He wants us to be.
• We must learn to trust in God's timing and provision, rather than trying to control every aspect of our lives. This means surrendering our will to His, trusting that He knows what's best for us.

This Week's Challenge

Take some time this week to reflect on your relationship with God as your Shepherd. Ask yourself: Am I trusting in His goodness and provision? Am I coming to Him with my burdens and finding peace in His presence?

Set aside a specific time each day to pray and seek God's guidance, asking Him to lead you through life's challenges and provide for all your needs.

Reflection Questions

• What are some areas of your life where you struggle to trust in God's goodness and provision? How can you surrender those worries and fears to His care this week?
• How can you come to Jesus with your burdens and find peace in His presence? What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with Him?
• Reflect on a time when God worked all things together for good in your life. How did He use that experience to shape you into the person He wants you to be?