My Shepherd

Psalm 23

My Shepherd

Bill White Updated Staff Photo

Bill White

Teaching Pastor; Staff Governing Elder; Staff Director

Psalm 23 is familiar and comforting, yet the story of our Shepherd is far more gritty and robust than most of us realize. When we lay hold of the reality that the God of the universe not only cares for us, but that he sent his Son to snatch us from the jaws of death, we will experience rest in both green pastures and dark valleys.

Application

  1. Knowing God as our Shepherd only makes sense when we see ourselves as sheep. Take some time to think about your inadequacies and fragility. How can this knowledge strengthen your relationship with God as Shepherd?

  2. God provides for us in both good times and difficult times. What kind of season are you in right now? How can you grow in dependence on God?

Key Points

  • Our God is all powerful and sovereign, yet David highlights both his tenderness and the reality that he is ours. This is a beautiful tension for us to embrace.

  • It’s easy for us to take credit and grow proud in times of plenty, but we are simply reaping the benefits of the righteous paths along which God guides us.

  • We should cultivate the discipline of remembering and rehearsing God’s favor on us.

  • When we are in difficult times, we can know the truth that our Shepherd is more powerful than whatever we think has us in its jaws.

  • In the weak moments of our lives, the pressure we feel is actually God’s love and mercy looking for an opportunity to break through.

Other Scripture References

Isaiah 40:10–11

Psalm 80:1–2

1 Samuel 17

John 10:1–17
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