Psalm 23

v4 – this verse refers to all of the difficult times in life – ADVERSITY

adversity – means difficult and unfavorable times…a series of misfortunes

(1) EVERYONE WILL EXPERIENCE ADVERSITY

-no one is exempt

-1 Peter 4:12-13

-Acts 14:21-22

-an idealistic view of Christianity vs a realistic view of Christianity

-adversity will end

(2) THE CLOSER WE GET TO JESUS, THE MORE ADVERSITY WE WILL EXPERIENCE

-the enemy will fight us to stop us from following Jesus & being on fire for Him

-it is decision time – settle or move forward…….

-the lowlands vs higher ground

-make a decision to go to the higher ground…….

***On the way to higher ground there are all kinds of adversity…

***when we settle there is not much adversity – the enemy has you…because you are no danger to the enemy and his kingdom

                     HOW CAN WE MAKE IT THROUGH TIMES OF ADVERSITY?

(1) Take A Walk

-move forward and never never stop…

-keep grinding it out – feelings

-the staff of the Shepherd – was used by the shepherd to prod the sheep to move forward and keep them together…

(2) Fear Ends Right Now – I will fear no evil

-you can feel fear and sense fear….fear will come…it can be defeated…

-the enemy and flesh place thoughts in our minds during times of adversity

-fear is a spirit and you can take authority over it – 2 Tim 2:7

***Name Your Enemy…….Fear can end now…….Keep using it…..Your enemy has to go

(3) THE LORD IS WITH YOU – v4

***The shepherd never left his sheep while taking them to higher ground…

-He will never leave you or forsake you

Examples:  Joshua, Joseph, Paul and even death…….

              Jesus Christ:

       a. Carries a Rod – this was a 2-4 foot club to hit and push back the predators

*Jesus is with us and He fights our battles

       b. Jesus brings us comfort

-no panic attacks…high stress…no burnout…no anxiety……