Psalm 23 Breakdown Often times, we assume that we already know what God wants to say. - And when we do that, we lose the opportunity to revive a revelation. Listening to God and hearing Him are two different things. - We’re not blessed by what we receive, but we’re blessed by what we attain. When we look at the Word of God and assume what it’s going to say and how it’s going to make us feel, then we stop ourselves from receiving the blessing. - Faith is built by hearing. - But doubt, insecurity, and lack are built by not hearing. Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my Shepherd.” - He doesn’t say the Lord is a shepherd. - He says MY Shepherd. - He is saying, as a shepherd, I need a Shepherd. “I lack nothing.” - It’s because who he belongs to has everything he needs. - When you are being led by the Shepherd, you have no want. He doesn’t say you won’t have needs. - Sometimes what you want will lead and guide you to become someone different than who Jesus desired you to be. - When we follow the Good Shepherd, He says He will supply all of our needs. 1 — When God is enough, need loses its power over your soul. - He is all we need and so much more. - We do not have the power to transform ourselves. Only the Divine does. Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” - He is referring to sheep. - Sheep only lie down when there is no fear, and because there is no fear, we have an understanding of who’s leading us. - Sheep only lie down when they feel safe. They can’t force themselves to rest. - Rest is evidence of trust. And the reason we don’t rest is because we don’t trust Him. - You never see a restless person who’s hopeful, and you never see a person who’s hopeful not restful. - Rest is the evidence of trust. - Some of us believe in God, but we trust in our abilities and try to make things happen on our own time. - God has us wait because He knows we’re not mature enough for certain wants. - So He tells us to wait and receive rest.