Psalms: Let the Shepherd
Psalm 23
May 26, 2024
Andrew Boone
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. —Psalm 23:1-6 ESV
God is close to us like a shepherd is to sheep.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. —Psalm 23:1 ESV
Let the shepherd be the shepherd.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. —Psalm 23:2 ESV
Let yourself rest in the shepherd’s provision.
He leads me beside still waters. —Psalm 23:2 ESV
He restores my soul. —Psalm 23:3 ESV
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! … Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me… Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. —Psalm 51:2, 10, 12 ESV
Let the shepherd restore your soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. —Psalm 23:3 ESV
Let the shepherd lead.
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. —Psalm 23:4 ESV
When the shepherd leads through a valley it’s the best route for the sheep.
Let the shepherd protect.
Let the shepherd direct.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. —Psalm 23:5 ESV
Let God bless you before the trial is over.
Let God bless you richly right now.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. —Psalm 23:6 ESV
Let the shepherd be your desire.
Big Idea:
Let the shepherd
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: Psalm 23:4 NIV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
The goal of these questions is to foster meaningful discussion and to encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.
Read Psalm 23
This is one of the most well-known Psalms. What do you think makes it so popular? Does it have any special meaning for you? Have you ever found special encouragement from reading this Psalm?
The picture of God as a shepherd and His people as sheep conveys a close relationship—one in which God is actively involved in His people’s lives. If you were to rate on a scale of 1-10 how close your relationship with God is today, what would you say? Why do you give it that score?
Relationships are strengthened through an investment of time. How much time do you give God each day? How do you involve God in your daily walk? Are there certain practices or disciplines that help you feel His presence?
David comments that the Lord provides in such a way that he “shall not want.” How do you understand this statement, knowing that there are things we all want? Has greed ever been a distraction in your life? What changes can you make so you can also declare, “I shall not want”?
When the world feels like chaos, how do you experience the rest found in green pastures and still waters? How have you found this kind of rest has benefited you spiritually and otherwise?
In what ways do you need God to restore your soul right now? How have you made that need known to God? Is there anything this Small Group can do to help you in this area?
God is committed to His people for His name’s sake. What does this tell you about God’s character and what we can expect from Him? Since the shepherd has a vested interest in the wellbeing of his sheep, how do you think the Good Shepherd will respond if you are injured or threatened? What is your part in this process? How do the rod and staff provide protection and guidance?
When the shepherd leads how are you at following? Do you view yourself as someone who can do everything on their own, or do you recognize your dependence on God? As sheep, why are we not capable to lead ourselves like the way a shepherd leads?
When the Lord leads us in “paths of righteousness” they take us through both lush meadows and dark valleys. Why do you think our Good Shepherd leads us through dark valleys? What are some dark valleys you’ve walked through? How did God demonstrate His faithfulness to you?
Discuss the concept of God preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies. How have you experienced God’s blessings even when facing trials or opposition? Do you ever struggle to see God’s blessings in difficult times? What are some examples of ways we can experience blessing amidst trials?
John 10:11-16 talks about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. What parallels do you see between Psalm 23 and John 10?