Pressure Points – Defined by Victory – Psalm 23

Pressure Points

Psalm 23 – Defined by Victory
Sunday, August 23, 2026

Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

Pressure points are located all over our bodies. There are hundreds of them, and each time pressure is applied to a pressure point, it pinches nerves or disrupts a normal operation of the body. When a nerve is pinched against a bone or muscle, it shoots an electrical signal of pain to the brain. Pain is the reaction from the pressure to warn people that damage may occur if the pressure is not removed. The authors of the Psalms had the same goal when writing. They wanted those who read the warnings to feel the pressure, to understand the limits, and to show us how to release and remove from our lives the negative things that cause pain. Pressure Points applied in the Psalms mold us to become better when we heed the warnings.

August 2 – Psalm 20 – Find Victory

August 9 – Psalm 21 – Sit in Victory

August 16 – Psalm 22 – Remember the Victory

August 23 – Psalm 23 – Defined by Victory

August 30 – Psalm 24 – Confident Victory

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Defined by Victory

Psalm 23

1. God is my . (1)

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Notes:

2. God is my . (2-3)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Notes:

3. God is my . (4-5)

¹¹ Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. ¹² Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. ¹³ If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. ¹⁴ Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. ¹⁵ He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:11-15

Notes:

4. God is my . (6)

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,” John 10:28

Notes:

Challenge:

Write down how your relationship with God influences the way you define yourself.

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Growth Challenge:

This week, examine how you make choices. Do you involve or ignore God as you make them?

Read Psalm 24 in preparation for next week’s message.

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.