Introduction : Sheep by themselves cannot survive in the wilderness of Judea without a shepherd. Without the shepherd who leads them to green pastures and quiet waters and protects them from wild beasts, sheep would always be in danger of being torn apart and death. Through David, a shepherd, God has shown us that He would become the shepherd in our lives.


1. The shepherd and the valley of the shadow of death
    1) Life experience of walking through the valley of the shadow of death
        (Ps 18:4, La 1:20)
        - In our lives we experience, whether big or small, the valleys of desperation.
    2) Fearing evil
        (1) When we imagine ourselves being confronted with affliction, disaster, or
             destruction, fear attacks our heart making it freeze. Fear is a viper that dwells
             in our imagination. (Pr 1:27)
        (2) Anxiety and fear have a tremendous, destructive impact
            ○ Job´s anxiety, fear, and suffering (Job 3:25-26. 1Jn 4:18)
    3) Looking upon the Lord if fear approaches
        (1) The Lord alone is our refuge, our fortress, and our God on whom we can rely.
             (Ps 91:2-3, 10)
        (2) Think of the Lord´s rod and staff. The rod guides us and leads the way, and the
             staff protects us. (Isa 41:10)

2. The shepherd who prepares a table in the presence of my enemies
    ○ 2Ch 20: King Jehoshaphat
    1) The attack from the allied forces of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites
    2) Jehoshaphat´s fear and fast (2Ch 20:3-4)
    3) God´s answer and the table full of delicacies (2Ch 20:14-17)
    4) God´s anointing of oil with joy and an overflowing cup
        - When our enemies come, God prepares for us a table with all kinds of delicacies
            (Ps 118:5, Jer 32:41)

3. The shepherd who is good and merciful all the days of life
    1) Whether animal or human, parents are always good and merciful to their children
        (Ps 103:12-13, Isa 54:10)
    2) God´s goodness and mercy toward our lives
        (1) The redemptive grace of Jesus on the Cross (Isa 53:5-6)
        (2) Heavenly blessings (Ps 16:8-11, Rev 7:15-17)


Conclusion : The verses in Psalm 23:4-6 give us indescribable solace, peace, courage and hope as we travel through the journey of life that is full of afflictions. At the end of life when we die, we can experience the dreams of a brilliant future on the other side.