Clay Scroggins joins us and walks verse by verse through Psalm 23. He gives us anchors to hold on to in order to stay focused while we navigate seasons of change. With the Lord as our Shepherd, we can walk in confidence through the unknown.
Key Takeaway
With the Lord with us, we have all that we need to make it through any season of life, especially in the midst of change. We can trust Him no matter what.
1) "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." (Psalm 23:1)
We need to know our role. We are lost sheep and we need a Shepherd.
We are incapable of leading ourselves as well as the Good Shepherd is able to.
The text says he is "My" Shepherd. Not "A" Shepherd. This matters. He provides for us personally. We lack nothing. He gives us what we need when we need it. When you lack clarity, it is an opportunity to trust God.
2) He makes us...
- "lie down in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2) This is where He makes us stop our constant toiling and depend on Him. When we are forced to lie down, all we have is the Lord and He has to provide for us,
- trust that He knows our needs. "He leads me beside still waters." (Psalm 23:2) The Lord gives us exactly what we need.
- accept refreshment. "He refreshes my soul." (Psalm 23:3) People feel the state of your soul. If you are tired, weary, or critical; people can feel that immediately, but it's not their responsibility to restore your soul. It's our responsibility to seek God out and help us care for our souls. The Lord refreshes our souls. He wants to! He wants to heal, replenish, and restore.
- follow His leading. "He guides me along the right paths for His namesake." (Psalm 23:3) The Lord directs us where to go. Sometimes He allows certain circumstances where he allows us to walk in His wisdom and choose, but there are other times where He guides our steps through the power of the Holy Spirit. The result is for our good and His glory.
3) "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;" (Psalm 23: 4)
Sometimes we get this confused. We will walk through the green pastures but then lie down in the valley. We allow the discouragement of the valley to wear us down and we lay down there. But we were never meant to stay in the valley. The Lord reminds us that we are never alone.
We do not have to fear because He is with us and He is wielding some powerful weapons to protect us.
4) "your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
The rod of a shepherd was used to beat off the evil and keep the sheep protected. This can help us picture God's power. The staff had a hooked end and the shepherd would use that to pull a sheep back on course that was straying. This can represent the personal and gracious actions of God to protect us.
5) "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." (Psalm 23:5)
The Lord walks right into the thick of all the enemy is throwing at you and sets up a table for you. The Shepherd is conveying, "This sheep is with me." And He is powerful enough to handle your enemy.
6) "You anoint my head with oil." (Psalm 23:5)
Sheep often will get themselves into precarious situations causing cuts, bumps, and bruises to their heads. A good shepherd will take oil and place it on those areas to soothe and heal the area. When David says this phrase, he is speaking of the Lord's love, comfort, and kindness. His presence heals and He longs to help us.
7) "my cup overflows." (Psalm 23:5)
We have the Lord. We lack nothing. We have more than we need. His Presence is more than enough.
8) "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)
Like two sheepdogs that follow the herd around, keeping them safe and on course, the Lord's Goodness and Love are forever propelling us forward. Nothing will separate the Shepherd from His sheep. Keep your eyes on Your Shepherd.
Quote
"When you don't have clarity, I am going to pray you have an opportunity to trust Him."
Mother Teresa
Discussion Questions