The Four Seasons of Faith

Psalm 23:1-6, NIV

“1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides 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 love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Introduction: Our life of faith is not always full of blessings. Neither is it always full of trials. Just as the whole year has four seasons?spring, summer, fall, and winter?our life of faith has four seasons.


1. The season of grace and blessings
1) Green pastures of grace and the Word (Ps 23:2a; 119:105; Lk 1:37).
2) The life-giving water of the Holy Spirit (Ps 23:2b; Jn 7:37-38.
3) Our spirit was once dead, rose again, and received the light (Ps 23:3a; Eph 2:4-5).
4) God leads us to forsake sin and to live righteously (Ps 23:3b; Ro 3:23-24).


2. The season of trials (Ps 23:4).
1) The frightful trials of passing through the valley of the shadow of death (Isa 43:2).
2) By faith, we know that Jesus is with us in the dark night (Isa 41:10; Heb 13:5-6).
3) If we rely on the guidance of Jesus (rod) and the staff of Jesus (protection), then we can find peace (Pr 3:5-6; Jn 16:33).


3. The season of fighting against the enemy (Ps 23:5).
1) Attacks from our enemy, the accuser. We are hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down by our rival's competition, jealousy, envy, and criticism
(Ro 8:35-37).
2) God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies.
- We can stand confidently before our enemies because of success and blessings from God
(Dt 28:12-13).
3) Anointing with oil signifies a step of growth in our faith.
- He makes us rely on the Holy Spirit all the more (Ps 28:8-9).
4) A life overflowing with satisfaction, joy, happiness, and appreciation (Ps 23:1; Jn 10:9-10).


4. Looking back on the past, being touched, and going to heaven (Ps 23:6).
1) Realizing that God is guiding us with His goodness and love all the days of our life (Ps 100:5).
2) Looking back on Jesus, because He showed mercy and saved those who deserved to die (Ps 103:12-13; Eph 2:8).
　　3) Leaving this world without hesitation and going to heaven that God prepared for us
　　 (Rev 7:16-17).
　　
　　
Conclusion: When we look back on the past and see how we have come to this point, we will realize how Jesus, our shepherd, has guided our lives with His unfailing love and goodness, and our hearts will be touched.