## Satisfied With Jesus

## Psalm 23:1-6

Watch any infomercial on TV or check the sale ads in the newspaper and you will find one recurring phrase. "Satisfaction Guaranteed!' But be careful to read the fine print. Often that is an empty promise. I want us to consider a question this morning concerning satisfaction. The question is this, 'Are we satisfied with Jesus?' In our consideration I would ask that you turn to one of the most familiar passages in the entire Bible. Psalm 23.

I. Satisfied with His Person.

A. It is His person that saves. (v1a)

1. David says, 'The LORD…'

a. Not "a" Lord, but "the LORD."

b. Who is the Lord?

c. He is the one who said,

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9)

d. Did you catch that? Any man…but not any door.

e. 'By me…he shall be saved'

f. It is only by Jesus…

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)

g. I grow weary of the multitudes of books and TV programs that start out like this…In search of the Real Jesus.

h. God has revealed the Real Jesus in His Word…truth be told many of these folks are looking for a Jesus that they can accept rather than accepting the Jesus God has revealed unto us through His Word!

2. Note the words in your Bible, 'The LORD…'

a. This is done to indicate the name used.

b. Whenever you find this it is always the majestic name Jehovah.

c. Jehovah speaks of the nature and character of God…He is, He was, and He always will be.

3. Notice also, The LORD is my shepherd…

a. That is personal!

b. Can you say that with David this morning?

c. Often you will hear me speak of having a personal relationship with God.

d. As a child my concept of God was that He existed…but He was so far away from me in Heaven…how could I ever know Him.

e. But the truth of Scripture is that He is a personal LORD who loves us and who dwells within all who have placed their faith in Him.

B. It is His person that satisfies. (v1b)

1. His person leaves no room for doubt: "I shall not want."

2. Shall not want is not just future, but it is a present experience.

3. There can be no doubt when we are satisfied with his person and presence?

4. 'I shall not want' means He will give us all that we need.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

5. This leads us to our next thought.

II. Satisfied with His Provision.

A. Green pastures and still waters. (v2)

1. Nothing could be better for sheep.

2. This is speaking of rest and refreshment.

3. Perfectly suited to the nature of sheep.

4. God knows us and will provide for us exactly what we need.

B. Restoration and Righteousness (v3)

1. One of the wonderful provisions of our Savior is the restoration of our souls.

2. The idea of restoration is returning things to their proper state. ie. Restoration of historic buildings or paintings

3. Sin has destroyed our relationship with God, and only our Savior can restore our souls.

4. Once restored, He leads us in the right paths.

a. Not just paths that lead to right behavior…

b. But the paths that will take us to the right destination.

c. Jesus told Thomas, 'I am the way…no man cometh to the Father but by me.' But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

d. We will never go wrong by following the paths of righteousness that our Savior provides! e. He will NEVER lead us wrong!

III. Satisfied with His Presence.

A. His presence satisfies when difficult experiences are near (v4).

1. It isn't a question of whether or not difficult times will come…they will!

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

2. It is rather a question of when and where.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (1 Peter 4:12)

3. The satisfaction comes not from avoiding these difficult times, but from the realization that we are not alone!

4. His presence provides courage and comfort during these difficult times in our lives.

B. His presence satisfies when dangerous enemies are near (v5).

1. Even in the midst of enemies, we can enjoy the fellowship of our Savior.

2. The natural response is to flee when the enemies draw near, but we can rest in Him.

3. With the assurance that His provision is perfect and complete.

4. Note the last phrase in v5. 'Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.'

a. To have one's head anointed with oil was a sign of honor and a symbol of joy.

b. The picture of the cup that runs over, is to remind us that His presence is more than adequate…it is abundant!

C. His presence satisfies for all eternity. (v6)

1. The more we know about Him…the more we will love Him.

2. The longer we serve Him the sweeter the journey.

3. No disappointments when it is all said and done.

4. Talk to those who have walked with Him for many years, and the answer is always the same.

a. It hasn't been a journey free from problems.

b. But as we near the end of the road, our anticipation is greater than at the beginning.

c. It isn't the streets of gold and the mansion prepared…it is anticipation of seeing Jesus.

d. It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small when we see Him. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. It will be worth it all when we see Him.

Are we satisfied with Jesus? Are we satisfied with His Person, His Provision, and His Presence? What is our focus today? The Greeks came to Phillip and said, 'Sirs, we would see Jesus'. Is that our desire this morning? If you are here today and you have never come to Jesus by faith, may I invite you to come today? You will not be disappointed. Christian, have we taken our eyes off the Savior? We need to realize that He and He alone will satisfy. Whatever the need will you come this morning?