Have you ever been somewhere and realized you were out of place? What about being out of place in a hard or difficult or dangerous situation? As we continue our series, The Shepherd in the Psalm, JP teaches us about the Shepherd’s presence and comfort as we walk with Him.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

-In moments of trouble and in dark valleys, who you are with really matters.

-In times of trouble, God doesn’t always protect us (in a fallen world and on this side of death), but He does always promise to comfort us.

-The Shepherd is with us in dark valleys.

-Sheep are closest to their predators when they walk through valleys; however, they are even closer to their shepherd.

-You are either entering a valley, in a valley, or preparing for a valley.

-When you enter a valley it’s the starting line, not the finish.

-Sometimes sheep can’t see the Shepherd, but they follow the sheep who are following the Shepherd.

-You must keep going when you are in the valley. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Don’t isolate and tap out.

-We are protected by the Shepherd’s presence.

-We don’t talk enough about the reality that satan and his demons hate us and want to steal, kill, and destroy us.

-Make no mistake, satan will absolutely destroy you. You are no match for him. However, he is no match for your Shepherd. He is terrified of your Shepherd.

-If dependence is the goal, weakness is the advantage.

-If closeness to the Shepherd is the goal, then the valley is the advantage.

-Christians talk about our Dad and to our Dad. It’s theology and a relationship.

-We are comforted by the Shepherd’s presence.

-The rod is used for both protection and correction.

-The Word of God is our rod today...it protects and corrects us as we read it and apply it to our lives.

-The staff saves and directs.

-The Holy Spirit saves us and gives us direction.

-When you are looking for protection, proximity is everything.

-What would you do if you knew God was with you? From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible goes out of its way to show you that God is with you.

-It’s time to stop playing religious games and leaving the Shepherd at church on Sunday. Take Him with you everywhere you go.

MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

-Suggested Scripture study: Psalm 23:4; John 16:33; 1 Peter 5:8; John 10:10; Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11-12; John 16:7; 1 Samuel 17:37-47

-Sermon: The Good Shepherd

-Book: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller

255 | Lessons In Contrast (Part 2)