Beside Still Waters: A Good Shepherd | Philip Anthony Mitchell | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Beside Still Waters: A Good Shepherd

Philip Anthony Mitchell

2819 Church • May 3, 2021 • 62 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell opens the series 'Beside Still Waters' by focusing on Psalm 23:1. He highlights that human beings are inherently frail and prone to wandering, making our need for divine leadership essential. By declaring 'The Lord is my shepherd,' believers choose to be led exclusively by God, resting in His complete guidance, provision, and protection.

Themes

God's Guidance and ShepherdingContentment and SatisfactionDivine Provision and ProtectionHuman Frailty and Dependence

Pastor's Points

1.

As a shepherd, the Lord will guide you.

2.

As a shepherd, the Lord will provide for you.

3.

As a shepherd, the Lord will protect you.

Key Points

1.
As a shepherd, the Lord will guide you into everything God has called you to do, lifting the heavy burden of directing your own life.
2.
As a shepherd, the Lord will provide for all your needs, granting peace and true contentment in your present season.
3.
As a shepherd, the Lord will protect you from visible and invisible dangers, keeping you secure even when you make foolish choices.
4.
Human beings are frail and prone to foolishness, requiring a wise and loving leader to keep them from wandering aimlessly.
5.
Declaring 'The Lord is my shepherd' requires a decision to be led exclusively by God rather than pseudo-shepherds like ambition, brokenness, or pride.
6.
Saying 'I shall not want' is both a declaration of trust and a choice to be satisfied with what God provides in your current season.
7.
Following the Good Shepherd demands faith, trusting His character even when the path feels unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or contrary to your preferences.

Sermon Moments

“Human beings, no matter our education, background, or socioeconomic status, by nature are frail and often foolish living beings.”

“There were 449 sheep that followed one stupid sheep off a cliff, not one having enough common sense to realize the others were not coming back.”

“If my shepherd does not give it to me, I do not need it in this season.”

“You do not have to figure out the route on your own; God has already charted a course for you.”

“The burden of direction for your life does not have to be on you; follow the Good Shepherd and ask Him for guidance.”

This Week

Surrender the burden of trying to navigate your future on your own by asking God daily for His direction.

Practice intentional contentment by thanking God for meeting your current needs instead of focusing on unfulfilled wants.

Identify pseudo-shepherds in your life—such as unaddressed brokenness, worldly ambition, or pride—and choose to be led by God instead.

Evaluate who you follow on social media and in culture to ensure you are not being led astray by foolish influences.

Stay actively connected to your local church community rather than attempting to walk through life isolated.

Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 daily, acknowledging God in all your choices so He can direct your path.

Reflect on past moments of God's protection and provision to build confidence for current challenges.

Remember This

When you yield to the Lord as your Good Shepherd, you can rest in His perfect guidance, provision, and protection for every season of life.

A Challenge for You

Allow the Good Shepherd to lead you through all of your difficulties, struggles, and worries, and stay connected to the flock He has placed you in.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.