PSALM 23: 1-6
Preamble
- To nurture is to care for and encourage growth and development.
- Care refer both to the actions of providing for someone’s needs, and also to feeling concern or interest about someone.
- God is more than capable of caring and nurturing His children
- This characteristic of God is reveal clearly in women and mothers
THE CARING AND NURTURING SHEPHERD- Psalm 23:1
• Who else can guarantee our care this much, but God the shepherd
- God’s nurture and care for us is stated in Matthew 6:31-32 says “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
- His nurturing nature will provide everything we need in that season. 1 Peter 5:8-Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Psalm 55:22 “
1. The good shepherd with a full sense of responsibility toward each of his sheep. He knew and identified each sheep by the name he had given it. (John 10:3, 11,14; Psalm 100:3.
2. He is a Shepherd who deeply cares about each of his sheep, including the “little ones– Matt.18:14; Psalm 80:1 Ezekiel 34:11–12
3. He ensure optimal welfare for all His sheep and will go any length to protect them- Luke 15:5-6: Ezekiel 34:14; Psalm 78:52- But He made His own people go forth like sheep, And guided them in the wilderness like a flock; Isaiah 40:11-He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.
Rev.7: 16-17- He will cars for us till the utmost end.
THE DEPTH AND MAGNITUDE OF GOD’S CARE AND NURTURING
1. The Lord is my Shepherd- THAT’S RELATIONSHIP! – Psalm 78:52; 80:1; 1 Pet.2:25; Isaiah 40:11
2. I shall not want- THAT’S SUPPLY! Psalm 34:9-10; Philippians4:19-
3. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures- THAT’S REST! Ezekiel 34:14–15; Psalm 65:11-13:
4. He leadeth me beside still waters– THAT’S REFRESHMENT! – Rev.7:17
5. He restoreth my soul– THAT’S HEALING!
6. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness-THAT’S GUIDANCE!
7. For His name sake– THAT’S PURPOSE AND PEROGATIVE MERCY
8. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death– THAT’S TESTING!/ TRIAL OF FAITH
9. I will fear no evil – THAT’S PROTECTION!
10. For thou art with me – THAT’S FAITHFULNESS!
11. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me- THAT’S COMFORT AND PEACE
12. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies- THAT’S HOPE AND ASSURANCE
13. Thou anointest my head with oil– THAT’S CONSECRATION AND INNER STRENGHT
14. My cup runneth over– THAT’S ABUNDANCE!
15. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -THAT’S BLESSING!
16. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord- THAT’S SECURITY AND PRESERVATION
17. Forever! THAT’S ETERNITY!!!
SECURING SUSTAINED CARE AND NURTURING
1. Come unto Him- Matt.11:28; Isaiah
2. Cast your care- 1 Pet.5:17; Psalm 52:22
3. Connect with Him – John 15:5-6