LESSON FOR THE JUNIOR CLASSES
STUDY SCRIPTURE:
PSALM 23
Key Verse
“Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever”.
Psalm 23:6
INTRODUCTION
This Psalm tells us how to live life as a Christian. Often we have to live through difficult times. We experience what is called “troubled waters”. But it is most important we memorize and remember this Psalm for it makes it clear that God is a shepherd, a King, and a Host which lays out a large luxurious Banquet or Feast for those He loves. He protects us from our enemies.
This Psalm teaches us several things about God who is not only a King but is also a Warrior fighting on our behalf and protecting us all the time. It tells us:
God knows what is happening in our lives. He knows what trouble has come our way. He knows how weak we are when we face temptations. He knows when we are feeling weak, or depressed, or upset, or feeling guilt. He knows when we are struggling with disease and ill health, always fearing that death is around the corner.
We can say God knows every need that we might have.
So this Psalm teaches, I shall not want (lack). God is a Shepherd and He will guide us and take us into pleasant places. It pictures us as sheep lying down in ‘green pastures’ where there is abundant grass and fresh gently flowing or ‘still waters’. We do not fear the waters will wash us away.
A shepherd has a tough job. Sheep are the most helpless of animals. They have no ability to protect themselves when they are attacked. They always wander away and get lost and cannot find their way back to the flock. They are always getting their thick hair caught in fences and they cannot get themselves loose. If they fall down on their backs someone has to come and get them back on their feet, for they cannot do that themselves. A Shepherd has to looks after the many needs the sheep has and to get them out of the many troubles they get themselves into. He has to provides grass for them to eat, protects them from wild animals with his sturdy staff, and leads them into good pasture lands where there is fresh water that they need.
Human beings are pictured in the Bible as just like sheep. People are often getting themselves in to danger and cannot find their way out without the help of God. So it is very important that we remain confident in God’s lovingkindness, mercy, and compassion for us that will be with us all the days of our lives.
God therefore, since He loves us so much, will prepare the best of everything He created while we will look at our enemies who are helpless.
So memorize this very beautiful and popular Psalm, and repeat it to yourself when you feel weak or in danger. God will hear your words and He will speak to you and remind you He is with you wherever you are and in whatever situation you find yourself.