Summer in the Psalms Week 3 - Psalm 23
May 30, 2025

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PREPARE

To identify with the Lord’s position as my Shepherd, I must also identify with my position as His sheep; needy, foolish, and dependant. We are creatures full of desires and needs and no amount of our own striving, our own thinking, or our own providing will ever truly satisfy. This Psalm has brought an abundance of comfort over the centuries to people suffering, struggling, and muddling through lives full of hardship, trouble, and day to day uncertainty. We are not left alone in our struggle, we have a Shepherd who draws near to us, guides us, protects us, and provides for us.

With Jesus as our Shepherd, every need we have is met through His loving care.


Prepare for this week’s teaching by reading Psalm 23 and using the questions below.

  1. Read all of Psalm 23 slowly. What words or ideas stick out to you? How has God been your shepherd? Have you experienced anything that Psalm 23 describes? What is the most difficult part of this Psalm for you to understand or to internalize?
  2. Read all of John 10:1-18. How do these verse compare with Psalm 23?
  3. Read Psalm 23:1-2. What did David mean when he described God as our shepherd? What does it mean to lack nothing? What does it mean to be “Cast Sheep”? How does this apply to the idea of God restoring our souls?
  4. In verse three, what is the reason given for God guiding His people on right paths? How does following God and His guidance result in God’s praise?
  5. Read Psalm 23:4-5. Why would traveling through dark valley be scary to sheep? What does this tell us about God’s care for us as humans? What is the source of our comfort in these verses? What is the difference between the rod and the staff?
  6. What does it mean to have a meal with enemies watching? What is the symbolic importance of anointing a person’s head and providing an overflowing cup? What do these things tell us about God’ protection and provision.
  7. Read Psalm 23:6. Take a second and read this verse over several times. Do you believe these words in your soul? What does it mean that God’s goodness and love will be with us all the days of our lives?
  8. What is the guarantee in this verse for those who have given their lives to Jesus? What does it mean to dwell in the house of the Lord forever? Is it something that you are looking forward to?

ATTEND

Verses: Psalm 23

Main Point: True life is found in trusting God. He provides His gives his people His presence, protection, and provision.

1. Our Shepherd Provides (Psalm 23:1-3)

2. Our Shepherd Protects (Psalm 23:4-5)

3. Our Shepherd Promises (Psalm 23:6)

REFLECT


- What impacted you most from this week’s message? What challenged you or encouraged you?
- What did you learn about the character of God?
- How did this week’s sermon affect your perspective on God or your perspective on yourself?

ACT


- What is one specific thing you can do this week to put into practice what you learned in this message?
- How can you deepen your relationship with God and follow Him more closely this week?
- Who is someone you can share what you learned with?