My Shepherd

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 may be the most quoted passage in the Bible. Beneath the well-worn phrases are layers of meaning—echoes of Israel’s story, glimpses of God’s character, and promises that point us to Jesus, the Good Shepherd. This Psalm isn’t just about comfort in hard times; it’s about confidence in the Shepherd who provides, restores, protects, and pursues us.

1. Read 2 Corinthians 1:20 — Yahweh: He Is. List some of the attributes of God. “He is ….”

       a. What do those attributes mean in your life?

2. Why is the story of God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt so important that it is recited in the Bible over and over many years later (500 years [Psalms], 1,000 years [Nehemiah 9], 1,500 years [Acts 7])?

       a. What are some historical events in your history that you can look back on and pass down that remind you of God’s faithfulness?

3. Read Isaiah 43:1-2 — Pastor Luke showed us that “you are with me” is the heartbeat of Psalm 23, and it is part of going through the dark valley. Is there a valley you are walking through now for which you needed this promise?

       a. What can you do to hold onto this promise and remember it?

4. Read Ephesians 1:3, 7-8, 18-20 — How has God blessed you in this last month, season, or year?

5. Read Philippians 2:6-8 — How did, and does, Jesus serve us?

6. What does it mean that God pursues us with goodness and mercy?

       a. What about when we sin, does he still pursue us?

7. The LORD goes before, beside, and behind you.

       a. Since God goes behind you, how does that change your view of the choices and events of your past?

       b. Since God is beside you, what does that reveal about your circumstances today?

       c. Since God goes before you, what does that promise for your future?

8. Did you take up Pastor Luke’s challenge to memorize Psalm 23?

        a. Did you use music to memorize it?