THE LORD IS…

This powerful exploration of Psalm 23 invites us to move beyond familiarity and discover the profound declarations David makes during his darkest moments. We're reminded that when David proclaims 'the Lord IS my shepherd,' he's not speaking from hope or wishful thinking—he's declaring present-tense reality from a place of deep confidence. The message challenges us to recognize that restoration only comes when something has been broken, and David's acknowledgment that God 'restoreth my soul' reveals he's writing from a place of pain and struggle. Yet even in that brokenness, he doesn't question God's presence or provision. The sermon beautifully unpacks how the shepherd leads us in righteousness precisely when we're most vulnerable to acting out of our hurt, and how God's presence in the valley of the shadow of death transforms fear into confidence. Perhaps most striking is the celebration that follows the valley—God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, anoints our heads with oil, and fills our cups until they overflow. This isn't hidden blessing; it's public vindication. The message culminates with the assurance that goodness and mercy follow us all our days, meaning we're protected from the front by our Shepherd and covered from behind by His faithfulness. We're challenged to make this psalm personal, to declare with confidence that whatever we need, the Lord IS.