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Psalm 23 - Benjamin
Sermon Summary
Ben encourages us to choose the life of abundance and protection offered by Jesus, our Good Shepherd, by resisting the enemies of the flesh, the world, and spiritual evil that seek to steal us away from Psalm 23's life of no lack.
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Psalm 23 paints a picture of the life we were created to enjoy—a life of abundance, peace, and security under the care of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. This is not just a poetic ideal, but a real and available way of living, one that Jesus himself came to offer. Yet, this life is not forced upon us; it is a daily choice. From the very beginning, God has given humanity the freedom to choose between life and death, blessing and curse. Jesus continues this invitation, declaring himself as the way, the truth, and the life, and inviting us to follow him into the pasture where we truly lack nothing.
But the pasture of the Good Shepherd is bordered by a fence, and on the other side lurk enemies intent on luring us away. These enemies—the flesh, the world, and the devil—are not always obvious, and their tactics are subtle. The desires of our flesh can be good, but when they become disordered or take the place of God as our provider, they lead us into a life of perpetual lack and dissatisfaction. The world, with its unpredictable hardships and injustices, can shake our trust in the Shepherd’s goodness, tempting us to doubt or despair. And the devil, the master of lies, works tirelessly to convince us that the grass is greener elsewhere, using half-truths and deceptions to draw us away from the Shepherd’s care.
Yet, none of these enemies have ultimate power over us. The Good Shepherd has already won the decisive victory. Our role is to recognise the tactics of these enemies, to resist their pull, and to turn—again and again—toward Jesus intentionally. This means surrendering our need for control, bringing our doubts and anxieties to him, and standing firm in faith, supported by the community of fellow believers who face the same struggles. The invitation remains: choose life, choose the pasture of the Good Shepherd, and experience the fullness of a life without lack.
Key Takeaways
1. The Psalm 23 life is a daily choice, not an automatic inheritance. God respects our freedom and invites us to choose his pasture, where true abundance is found. Each day presents the opportunity to reaffirm our trust in the Good Shepherd, resisting the temptation to wander into pastures that promise much but deliver little.
2. The desires of the flesh are not inherently evil, but when they become disordered or replace God as our provider, they lead us into a cycle of striving and lack. Even noble desires, like providing for our families, can become traps if they cause us to rely on ourselves rather than on God’s sufficiency. True provision and contentment are found in surrendering these desires to the Shepherd.
3. The world’s unpredictability and suffering can shake our faith, tempting us to doubt God’s goodness or even his existence. In these moments, the invitation is to bring our questions and anxieties directly to Jesus, trusting that he cares for us and is present even in the darkest valleys. Honest lament and dependence on God are acts of faith, not signs of weakness.
4. The devil’s primary tactic is deception—using lies and half-truths to convince us that life apart from the Shepherd is more satisfying. He cannot force us out of God’s care, but he works to entice us away, often by exploiting our desires or our pain. Recognising his strategies and clinging to the truth of God’s character is essential for spiritual resilience.
5. Resistance to these enemies is not a solitary endeavour. Drawing near to Jesus through spiritual practices, even when it’s difficult, and leaning on the support of the faith community are vital. The shared struggles of believers and the example of Jesus himself remind us that we are not alone, and that victory is already secured in Christ.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: We Are Given the Choice Between Life and Death
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV
'This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
From the very beginning, God has given humanity the freedom to choose between life and death, blessing and curse, and this choice remains central to our spiritual journey. The invitation is not forced; God desires that we willingly choose the life He offers—a life found in relationship with Him, listening to His voice, and holding fast to Him as our source of true life. Each day, we are presented with opportunities to choose the Shepherd’s way or to follow other paths that ultimately lead to emptiness.
Reflection:
What is one decision you face today where you can intentionally choose the way of life with God rather than the way of self or the world?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray that you help me to intentionally choose your way of life, trusting in your goodness and love, rather than being swayed by the desires of my flesh, the lies of the enemy, or the distractions of the world, so that I may walk in the fullness of Psalm 23 and find true life in you. Amen.
Day 2: The Enemies of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:12 NIV
'For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
On the other side of the Shepherd’s pasture are three persistent enemies—the flesh, the world, and the devil—each seeking to draw us away from the abundant life God offers. The flesh tempts us with desires that can either lead us toward or away from God; the world confronts us with circumstances beyond our control that can sow doubt and fear; and the devil, the father of lies, works to separate us from the Shepherd through deception and half-truths. Recognising these enemies helps us to resist their pull and remain anchored in the Shepherd’s care.
Reflection:
Which of these three enemies—flesh, world, or devil—do you sense is most active in your life right now, and how can you bring this struggle honestly before God in prayer?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge the desires within me that can lead me away from Your path. Strengthen me to resist the temptation of my flesh. Show me Your goodness so I can see beyond my circumstances and the hardships of this world. I pray that You would help me to know Your truth so I can defend against the lies of the devil. Help me to trust that in Your presence, I lack nothing. Amen.
Day 3: The Devil’s Tactic Is Deception and Separation
Scripture:
John 8:44 NIV
'You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...Devotional:
The devil’s primary strategy is to convince us that the grass is greener outside the Shepherd’s pasture, using lies and half-truths to lure us away from God’s presence and provision. He cannot force us out, but he works relentlessly to make us believe that another shepherd or another way will satisfy us more. Yet, every time we follow his deception, we find only emptiness and disappointment. The call is to resist the devil by drawing near to God, submitting ourselves to the Good Shepherd, and learning to discern His voice above all others.
Reflection:
What is one lie or half-truth you have believed about God or yourself that you need to bring into the light and replace with God’s truth today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would shine your light into my heart, exposing every lie of the devil and guiding me into the truth of your love and grace, so I may walk confidently in your life-giving presence.
Day 4: Choosing the Shepherd’s Pasture Is a Daily Practice
Scripture:
James 4:7-8
'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...Devotional:
Living the Psalm 23 life is not a passive experience but an active, daily choice to turn toward the Good Shepherd, especially when faced with temptation, doubt, or spiritual attack. This means intentionally practicing trust, drawing near to God through prayer, Scripture, and community, and resisting the pull of the enemies that seek to steal, kill, and destroy. Even when it is difficult or inconvenient, choosing the Shepherd’s pasture leads to a life of true security, provision, and peace—a life without lack.
Reflection:
What is one practical step you can take today to intentionally draw near to God and reaffirm your place in the Shepherd’s pasture?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. Today, I choose to follow You wholeheartedly, trusting that Your pasture is where I find true satisfaction and life without lack. Help me to resist the false promises of the world that try to lure me away. I commit to walking in Your path today. Amen.
Day 5: The Good Shepherd Offers a Life Without Lack
Scripture:
Psalms 23:1-3
'The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The Psalm 23 life is not just a poetic ideal but a real, abundant life that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers to all who choose to follow Him. This life is marked by deep provision, rest, guidance, protection, and love—where we lack nothing essential because we are in the presence of the Shepherd who knows and cares for us intimately. Yet, this life is not automatic; it is a daily choice to trust and remain in the Shepherd’s pasture, resisting the allure of other “shepherds” that promise much but deliver only dissatisfaction and lack.
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you feel lack or dissatisfaction? How might you invite the Good Shepherd to meet you in that place today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for offering me the choice to follow You. Help me today to turn away from the false promises of the world and desires of my flesh, and to choose Your life—life in Your presence, guidance, and love. May I always remember that You are the true Shepherd who leads me to green pastures and quiet waters. Amen.
Day 6: The Enemy is Not Other People
Scripture:
1 Peter 5:8-9
'Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Our primary enemies aren’t other people but spiritual forces—our flesh, the world’s circumstances, and the devil. The flesh tempts us with desires that can lead us away from the Shepherd’s path, like the desire for power, revenge, or material gain.
When others hurt us, it's tempting to seek to blame them and to get revenge. While it's important for people to take responsibility for their actions and seek to change for good, revenge and judgement are in God's hands, not ours. We are instead called to focus on growing our faith and loving God so that we can resist the temptations of the devil, and to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Reflection:
What relationships in your life are you focused on the person instead of the true enemy?
What desires are the enemy tempting you with to turn away from the Good Shepherd?
Prayer:
Lord, I recognise that I am in a spiritual battle. Help me to resist the lies of the enemy and to turn my heart back to You when I feel tempted to stray. Draw me near through Your Word and prayer, and remind me that in Your strength, I can stand firm. Thank You for already winning the war through Jesus. Amen
Day 7: Trusting the Good Shepherd in the Face of Life’s Challenges
Scripture:
Psalms 23:4-6
'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Life often presents us with circumstances that shake our confidence in God's goodness. Natural disasters, health crises, or sudden setbacks can cause us to question whether our Shepherd truly cares for us. The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 23 that even in the darkest valleys, we are not alone; our Shepherd is with us, guiding and comforting us.
Reflection:
What circumstances are distracting you from God's goodness and keeping you from His presence?
Take a moment now to seek your Shepherd despite your circumstances.
Prayer:
God of comfort, when life’s hardships and unexpected events cause me to doubt Your goodness, remind me of Your presence. Help me to bring my questions and doubts to You, trusting that You care for me and will restore my soul. Fill me with peace and confidence that You are with me in every dark valley. Amen.
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