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Psalm 23

• Do we use locks and fences to keep things in or to keep things out?
• What kinds of things do we lock up to keep secure?
• There are a lot of things that can cause us to be anxious and insecure. Do you ever wish you could lock out some things so you could be secure?

Psalm 23 is one of the best-known passages in the Bible. But it contains more than nice, sentimental expressions to read at a funeral. It is important to life experience. It is God’s response to the human search for security. It is God’s answer to the human cry for someone to understand and care. Despair sets in when people begin to think no one cares. This psalm has a message for us when we wonder if anyone cares.

{1} The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

The Lord is identified as the shepherd of the writer. David was the author of this psalm. Before he became king of Israel, he was a shepherd, so he had a good idea what he was talking about. Most of us have not been or hung around with shepherds. But we should be able to pick up on the picture David is painting for us of the relationship between God and His people.

• What is the job of a shepherd?
• What is the nature of sheep that makes a shepherd essential?
• How does the writer see his shepherd responding to his needs?

Good shepherds care about their sheep and respond to their needs.

{2} He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters

• What two things are needed for the physical nourishment of sheep?  (grass to eat, water to drink)
• What other two things are suggested that sheep need?  (rest, someone to guide them)

It is said that sheep will not drink from rapidly moving water. They need quiet waters in order to calm their insecure natures and allow them to take in the water they need. Sheep are nervous by nature and are prone to wandering. They are only secure and have a sense of security when the caring shepherd provides safe, green pastures and cool, calm waters.

What the good shepherd does for his sheep, God does for His children. He surrounds us with the security of His care so we can find rest and nourishment for our spirit.

{3a} he restores my soul.

• What does the word "restore" suggest to you?
• What things take the energy right out of your soul?

The writer is suggesting something deeper than being physically tired. He is saying that life can drain the soul and create needs deep within us. The shepherd may care for the external needs of his sheep, yet be unable to touch the internal needs that cannot be seen. God can reach deeper into our lives to restore our souls that have been hurt by life and damaged by sin.

{3b} He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

• What is the shepherd’s task in this verse?
• What do you understand the "paths of righteousness" to be?
• Why is being in the path of righteousness important "for his name’s sake"?

Sheep are notorious for their wandering nature. They can put their heads down when grazing and eat their way right into trouble. Some people are like that. They can head off in the wrong direction and get themselves lost in trouble very quickly. Sheep need a shepherd to guide them. The reputation of the shepherd rests in his ability to keep his sheep out of trouble. Our Shepherd wants to guide us in paths of righteousness to demonstrate His faithfulness and ability to keep His sheep out of trouble.

{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.

• What is the "valley of the shadow of death"?
• How might a shepherd use his "rod" and "staff"?
• Why would the shepherd’s rod and staff be a comfort to the sheep?

No one can comfort our troubled and sorrowful spirits like God can. When we grieve, the fact that others are with us and care about us is very helpful and comforting. But there is a level of grief that only God can touch. He brings all of His presence and instruments of care into our situation, removing our fear and offering His comfort.

{5a} You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

Sheep are pretty defenseless creatures. They have a lot of natural enemies that can prey upon them without fear of retaliation. The shepherd provides an envelope of security and protection for his sheep while they are surrounded by a hostile world. God does the same for His children. Whatever or whoever our enemy, our Shepherd surrounds us with His care. He has arranged for the meeting of our needs just as a person prepares a table of food for those who are dependent upon him or her for nourishment. This is a picture of a place of protection and care in the middle of hostile surroundings.

{5b} You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

• Why would a shepherd place oil on the body of a sheep?
• What is the response of the sheep to the action of the shepherd?

There were times when a sheep became wounded. The wound might be the result of a fall, a predator, or entanglement with a thornbush. The shepherd used oil to aid healing. The writer’s words suggest a sense of serenity and joy that come from the tender care of the shepherd as he cares for the hurts of the sheep.

{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.

Too often, people are selfish in their expressions of love. Their love is offered for this moment and only as long as there is worthwhile return on their investment. Is it any wonder that people feel insecure in their relationships?

• How faithful is the love of God?
• What two promises result from the love of God?  (goodness in this life, security for eternity)
• What is meant by "the house of the Lord"?
• How long is "forever"?

1. God cares about us like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
2. God understands our needs and provides for them.
3. Healing and wholeness come from relationship with our Shepherd.
4. Security comes from knowing that God loves us and that His love will surround us now and through eternity.
5. God wants us to spend eternity with Him.

• What hurts do you feel most intensely, and what enemies cause you the most anxiety?
• Have you ever brought your hurts and cares to God?
• Have you allowed God to love you into eternity?

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