Matthew 9:35-37 (NIV)
The Workers Are Few
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Agitate:
Def. …to excite and often trouble the mind or feelings of __________________
It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger.
Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
Psalm 23:2-3a (NIV)
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
A flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well.
Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
In what ways have you felt restless, dissatisfied, agitated, or disturbed?
When He is near, I have .
2 Timothy 1:7
New International Version
7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When He is near, I have .
Isaiah 26:3-4
New International Version
3 You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:8
New International Version
8 Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
When my eyes are on my Master, they are not on those around me. This is the place of peace.
Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
Psalm 4:8
New International Version
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
In the Christian’s life there is no substitute for the keen awareness that our Shepherd is nearby. There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic, the terror of the unknown.
Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
When He is near, I am .
Psalm 42:11
New International Version
11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11
New English Translation
11 Why are you depressed, O my soul?
Why are you upset?
Wait for God!
For I will again give thanks
to my God for his saving intervention.
Psalm 56:13
New International Version
13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.
I know of nothing that so quiets and enlivens my own spiritual life as the knowledge that God knows what He is doing with me!Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
My Place of Peace:
God knows what He is doing with me!