The Lord is With Me

Sermon Notes“The clear promise is that those who rest like God find themselves free like God, no longer slaves to the thousand compulsions that send others rushing toward their graves.” ― Barbara Brown Taylor“Rest is in Him alone. Man knows no peace in the world; but he has no disturbance when he is with God.” ― Bernard of Clairvaux1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.—Psalm 23---------------------------------------------------Small Group Discussion Questions:1. Spend five minutes in silence after reading Psalm 23. Describe your first encounter with the Lord? In what ways do you need to encounter him again?2. Consider the last five years (or perhaps the last ten) of your life. List out the moments when you felt a great need, or you experienced a great struggle. How did the Lord provide for you in those times?3. On a scale of 1-5 (5 being very rested and peaceful; 1 being completed drained and depleted), how rested do you feel? As you look at the next two months, what changes do I need to make to find deeper rest? How can your small group help you?4. Reflect on the following quotes:“The clear promise is that those who rest like God find themselves free like God, no longer slaves to the thousand compulsions that send others rushing toward their graves.” ― Barbara Brown Taylor“Rest is in Him alone. Man knows no peace in the world; but he has no disturbance when he is with God.” ― Bernard of ClairvauxWhy do both authors stress the critical importance of resting like and in God?Why does God unceasingly lead us to a place of ceasing?5. Write a prayer to God asking him to reveal more of his presence to you this week.