Finding Rest in God: Trusting Our Shepherd Daily
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of Psalm 23, focusing on the importance of rest and the role of God as our shepherd. The story of Tattoo, the Basset hound, humorously illustrated how we often find ourselves caught in the relentless pace of life, much like Tattoo's unintended jog. This relentless busyness can contribute to the mental health challenges we face today. Science and Scripture both emphasize the necessity of rest, with God commanding us to take a day each week to pause, rest, and recreate. This is not just a suggestion but a divine design for our well-being.
We delved into the concept of God as our shepherd, a leader who provides and protects. Psalm 23 paints a vivid picture of green meadows and peaceful streams, symbolizing God's abundant provision and the rest He offers. The challenge is to slow down and trust in God's provision, allowing Him to lead us to these places of rest. The story of a family on safari needing to let their souls catch up serves as a reminder that we, too, need to pause and let our souls find rest in God.
We also discussed the importance of following Jesus daily, not just seeking His will for the distant future but asking for His guidance each day. This daily following leads us to rest and right living, aligning us with God's will. Trusting in God's protection and provision is crucial, as it allows us to let go of control and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Finally, we were reminded that following Jesus doesn't mean life will be free of challenges. Like David, who wrote Psalm 23, we may face trials, but God walks with us through them. Our focus should be on staying close to the shepherd, allowing Him to guide us through life's journey.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Necessity of Rest: God designed us to need rest, commanding us to take a Sabbath day each week. This rest is not just physical but spiritual, allowing our souls to catch up and be renewed. Trusting in God's provision enables us to embrace this rest without guilt. [02:06]
2. God as Our Shepherd: Psalm 23 reveals God as our shepherd, a leader who provides and protects. By following Him, we find rest and provision in green meadows and peaceful streams. This imagery reminds us of the abundance God offers when we trust Him. [10:03]
3. Daily Following of Jesus: Instead of seeking God's will for the distant future, we should focus on following Him daily. This daily guidance leads us to rest and right living, aligning us with God's will and purpose for our lives. [19:39]
4. Trusting God's Provision: Trusting in God's protection and provision is essential. We often hold back parts of our lives, but true trust means surrendering all to Him, believing He knows and cares more than we do. [28:12]
5. Staying Close to the Shepherd: Life's challenges are inevitable, but God walks with us through them. Staying close to the shepherd ensures we are guided through life's journey, experiencing rest and right paths along the way. [34:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:06] - The Story of Tattoo
- [03:58] - The Epidemic of Busyness
- [05:12] - Introduction to Psalm 23
- [10:03] - Green Meadows and Still Waters
- [14:02] - The Challenge of Following Jesus
- [16:07] - The Role of the Shepherd
- [18:00] - Letting Our Souls Catch Up
- [19:39] - God's Will for Today
- [21:28] - Following the Shepherd Daily
- [23:24] - Prioritizing Rest and Recreation
- [25:35] - The Sabbath and Its Importance
- [28:12] - Trusting in God's Provision
- [29:17] - Jesus as the Shepherd
- [31:47] - A Personal Story of Rest
- [33:00] - Staying Close to the Shepherd
- [34:23] - The Importance of Full Surrender
- [35:14] - The Call to Rest and Right Living
- [36:15] - Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 23 and the Necessity of Rest
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 23:1-3
Observation Questions:
1. What imagery does Psalm 23 use to describe the provision and rest that God offers? How does this imagery help us understand God's role as a shepherd? [10:03]
2. In the sermon, the story of Tattoo the Basset hound was used as an illustration. What point was the pastor making with this story? [02:06]
3. According to the sermon, what are some reasons people struggle to incorporate rest into their lives? [03:58]
4. How does the pastor describe the role of Jesus as a shepherd in our daily lives? [16:07]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's leadership and provision in your life? [05:12]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of following Jesus daily rather than focusing solely on the distant future. How might this perspective change one's approach to decision-making and daily living? [19:39]
3. What does it mean to trust in God's provision and protection, and how does this trust impact one's ability to rest? [28:12]
4. The pastor shared a story about a family on safari needing to let their souls catch up. How does this story illustrate the need for spiritual rest and renewal? [18:00]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current schedule. Are there specific activities or commitments that prevent you from experiencing the rest God intends for you? How can you adjust your schedule to prioritize rest? [23:24]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of a Sabbath day. What steps can you take to intentionally set aside a day for rest and recreation each week? [25:35]
3. Consider the areas of your life where you might be holding back from fully trusting God. What is one specific area where you can begin to surrender control to Him this week? [28:12]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of seeking God's will daily into your routine? What might this look like in practical terms for you? [21:28]
5. The pastor mentioned the challenge of following Jesus amidst life's distractions. What are some practical ways you can stay focused on Jesus and avoid being sidetracked by other priorities? [14:02]
6. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's pace. How did you find rest and renewal during that period, and what can you learn from that experience to apply now? [18:00]
7. How can you encourage others in your community or family to embrace the concept of rest as a divine design for well-being? What role can you play in fostering a culture of rest and renewal? [36:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Rest
In a world that often glorifies busyness, the necessity of rest is a profound truth that both science and Scripture affirm. God, in His wisdom, designed us to need rest, commanding us to take a Sabbath day each week. This rest is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, allowing our souls to catch up and be renewed. Trusting in God's provision enables us to embrace this rest without guilt, recognizing it as a divine gift for our well-being. The story of Tattoo, the Basset hound, humorously illustrates how we can find ourselves caught in the relentless pace of life, much like Tattoo's unintended jog. By slowing down and trusting in God's provision, we allow Him to lead us to places of rest and renewal. [02:06]
"Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to incorporate a Sabbath rest into your weekly routine, allowing your soul to be renewed?
Day 2: Trusting the Shepherd's Guidance
Psalm 23 beautifully portrays God as our shepherd, a leader who provides and protects. This imagery of green meadows and peaceful streams symbolizes the abundance and rest God offers when we trust Him. The challenge lies in slowing down and allowing God to lead us to these places of rest. By following Him, we find provision and peace, even amidst life's chaos. The story of a family on safari needing to let their souls catch up serves as a reminder that we, too, need to pause and let our souls find rest in God. Trusting in God's protection and provision is crucial, as it allows us to let go of control and follow Him wholeheartedly. [10:03]
"He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God as your shepherd, allowing Him to lead you to a place of rest and provision?
Day 3: Daily Dependence on Jesus
Instead of seeking God's will for the distant future, the call is to focus on following Him daily. This daily guidance leads us to rest and right living, aligning us with God's will and purpose for our lives. By seeking His guidance each day, we cultivate a relationship of trust and dependence on Him. This daily following of Jesus is not about having all the answers but about trusting Him to lead us step by step. It is in this daily dependence that we find true rest and alignment with God's will. [19:39]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God's guidance today, trusting Him to lead you in your daily decisions and actions?
Day 4: Surrendering to God's Provision
Trusting in God's protection and provision is essential for a life of faith. Often, we hold back parts of our lives, fearing loss of control. However, true trust means surrendering all to Him, believing He knows and cares more than we do. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to trust in His goodness and provision. By letting go of control, we open ourselves to the abundance and peace that God offers. [28:12]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Walking with the Shepherd through Challenges
Life's challenges are inevitable, but God walks with us through them. Staying close to the shepherd ensures we are guided through life's journey, experiencing rest and right paths along the way. Like David, who wrote Psalm 23, we may face trials, but God is with us, providing comfort and guidance. Our focus should be on staying close to the shepherd, allowing Him to guide us through life's journey. This closeness to God is cultivated through prayer, reflection, and a daily commitment to follow Him. [34:23]
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you stay close to God today, allowing Him to guide you through any challenges you may face? What practices can help you cultivate this closeness?
Quotes
1) "The Bible, God's word to us, the creator of the universe said to us, you need to take one day out of every seven and do nothing. You need to rest. You need to recreate. The owner who built it, like the manufacturer of your life, says if you want your life to run at its best, you need to take a day a week to slow down and to stop, to rest, to recreate. You've probably heard this saying. It's not in the Bible, but it's probably a true statement. You've heard it. If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy." [02:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The problem is we move so fast like it is hard to follow Jesus when we're following a thousand other things it's hard to keep our mind on what's number one when numbers two through twelve gather our attention so often like let me give you an example maybe you've experienced this or something similar you're thinking to yourself regular day you're thinking to yourself oh hey I've got to get my oil changed like that's important. I got to get changed. You pull out your phone so you can schedule it. So you can leave you a note to do something so you don't forget because you don't want to burn up the engine." [14:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "If you're not experiencing rest, if you don't have a day, a Sabbath day is what the Old Testament calls it. We'll talk about it a little later. If you don't have a Sabbath day, if you don't have rest, if you're not being renewed, if you're not being recreated, here's what we know. You're not following Jesus. Now don't get mad at me. I didn't say it. His name is David. He's an Old Testament guy. You can take it up with him. He's dead, but he said it. Inspired by the Spirit of God. Because if you're following Jesus, he leads, he renews, he does those things. Like that's who he is." [16:07] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The problem with that question is when we ask it, we tend to be asking it looking for one answer. Like this is God's will in this box. Here it is. Problem is when I was 16, I was asking God, what's your will for my life? And it was to be a student pastor. God's will for my life was also to be a family pastor at one time. And then a church plant pastor and lead city church. His will for my life was to be a dad. His will for my life was to be a husband. His will for my life was to do financial things for people, financial planning and management, things like that. There's a lot of things that God's will is." [19:39] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "If God's plan is for you to be there 10 years from now, you know, the easiest way to get there, follow him each day there. Because what happens is we get, we want that answer. And here's what, here's what we do because we want control. There's the answer. That's where I'm going to be 20 years. Thanks Jesus for giving me the insight. Now I'm going to get to work and getting there. Like I'm going to make my plans. I'm going to get to it. Thanks for telling me where I'm supposed to go. I'm going to get there. And Jesus is like, time out. I didn't tell you because I wanted you to figure out how to get there." [21:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Recreation is how we, recreation, you've got to prioritize rest and prioritize things in your life one day a week that recreate you. And many times that's recreation that does that. Now, listen. The Sabbath, it's what the Jewish people practice a one day a week. It was their day of worship where they rested and they renewed was a part of the Ten Commandments. If you're not real familiar with the Bible, like, the Old Testament has a lot of laws, a lot of expectations for God's people and that covenant relationship we talked about. But God gives them the big 10." [23:24] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "You have to believe that God knows better than you do. And you've got to believe that God cares more than you do. That's the gist of it. We don't. We go, God doesn't know really that this is best. And so we hold things. We hold our finances. We hold a relationship. We hold our schedule. We hold a career. And we don't go, Jesus, I'll just follow you every day of the week. Because we don't really trust him every day of the week. So maybe your next step is just praying, saying, God, help me believe that you know better than me and help me believe that you care more than I do." [28:12] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "If Jesus is the shepherd, if Jesus is the tour guide that we're following, that's where we need to be. Right there by his side. Right there going, tell me more. Right there going, where are we going next? Right there going, how do I do that? Where do we go? And tell me about this. I wanna know and experience from the tour guide, from the shepherd. So where are you at? How closely are you following? Because here's what's true. I talked about holding 10%. Sometimes we give Jesus 90%. We'll follow you in 90 % of things. But Lord, Jesus, we're holding this thing." [34:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?