The Cross & Psalm 23 Part 5 "The Battle is the Lord's"

Psalm 23:5

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows"

Four absolutes concerning the "valley" and you:

1. God has commanded a blessing for you!

Numbers 23:19, 20

"God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of a man that he should change his mind. Does he speak and not act? ...He has blessed and I cannot change it"

2. The battle is for the shepherd and not the sheep!

2 Chronicles 20:1-30 (paraphrased)

"...we are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help...this is what the Lord says, do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's...you will not even need to fight...they gathered in the valley of blessing which is called the Valley of Blessing today...they returned to Jerusalem full of joy that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies"

3. Satan will have a front row seat at our victory party!

Psalm 23:5

"...you treat me to a feast while my enemies watch"

4. Everyone, even Satan, will bow their knee and confess Jesus is Lord!

Romans 14:11

"As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God"

The Cross & Psalm 23 Part 4 "I Must Walk Through the Valley"

Psalm 23:4

"Even though I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are close to me. Your rod and staff reassure me"

Seven things the "Valley" represents to every believer:

1. The valley represents a place we all must experience!
2. The valley represents a place of inconvenience! (note: our inconveniences are usually our greatest ministry opportunities; i.e. Jesus at the Samaritan well)
3. The valley represents a place of severe darkness!
4. The valley represents a place of extreme danger!
5. The valley represents a place of certain death! (note: death to the flesh )
6. The valley represents a place of necessary discipline(s)!
7. The valley represents a place for the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep to be seriously tested!

Note: The destination is never the valley; the valley is merely part of the exciting life journey we all are on; the destination (see part 2) is ALWAYS a beautiful place!

The Cross & Psalm 23 Part 3 "He Restores My Life"

Psalm 23:3

"He restores my soul..."

Psalm 71:20

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up"

I Peter 5:10

"And the god of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast"

Quotes:

"when I become discouraged, the Lord who is my Shepherd, revives and re-energizes my soul through His power and grace"

(full life study bible)

"when my soul grows sorrowful, He revives it; when it is sinful He sanctifies it; when it is weak He strengthens it; He does it!"

(Charles Spurgeon)

• restores- literally means to turn back; return; movement back to a point of departure
• soul- literally means life; breath; to be refreshed; can refer to the entire person

Five ways He restores my life:

1. He restores my joy !

Psalm 51:12

"Restore to me the joy of my salvation..."

2. He restore my peace !

Psalm 29:11

"...the Lord blesses his people with peace"

Psalm 85:8

"...He promises peace to His people..."

3. He restores my hope !

Zechariah 9:12

"Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you"

4. He restores my health !

Jeremiah 30:17

"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the Lord"

5. He restores my mind !

Romans 12:2

"...but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."