THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Maps are good to direct you from one place to another, but you need to study them before leaving on a trip. If you don’t know the route well, you will need to stop periodically and double-check the map.
GPS is better, but you still have to pay attention. You must glance continually at the screen to get a visual on how soon a turn is coming or listen intently to the verbal instructions.
The best way to travel is with someone who knows the route well. A guide can anticipate things and remind you to “get in the left lane” or “be prepared for a sharp turn.” They often know shortcuts that the GPS is not clever enough to know. A guide can also provide “color commentary” as you travel, telling you interesting tidbits about places along the route.
Let’s admit, we all need a guide to get through life. Even when we think we have things figured out, life inserts a roadblock and the journey changes. But God does for us just as a shepherd does for his flock. God is our Good Shepherd who guides us on the right path and in the right direction.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Psalm 23:1-3
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
David very well may have written Psalm 23 during the latter years of his reign as Israel’s king. It clearly has the ring of personal experience. It testifies to a faith tested by trials and a life mellowed and matured by the passing of years.
David had experienced conflict—both internal and external—including wars, family division, personal disappointments, discouragement, and despair. His hands were soiled by the murder of Uriah. His adulterous relationship with Bathsheba had ignited family fighting that led to ongoing conflict among family members. David experienced sin and the deep sorrow of its consequences; he knew the pain of one son’s death and the rebellion of another who tried to take his kingdom.
Yet this psalm affirms that, through it all, David knew God as his tender Shepherd. The imagery in this psalm may go back to David’s childhood experiences. As a shepherd boy, David was deemed an unlikely candidate to become the king of Israel. It is significant that David, the great warrior, was drawn to a simple but assuring depiction of God as a gentle Shepherd caring for the needs of His flock.
The profound impact of Psalm 23 is not discovering that God cares like a Shepherd, but the intimacy of the truth that God is my Shepherd. He is the Shepherd who “lets me lie down in green pastures”; who “leads me beside quiet waters.” David knew he belonged to the Lord and that gave him calm assurance in the midst of trials.
In what ways have you
experienced God’s guidance in life?
David’s expression of absolute trust was stated in profound simplicity: “I have what I need.” He mentioned the green pastures and quiet waters first because they are fundamental needs of the sheep if they are to survive and grow. Sheep cannot continue to follow the shepherd without sufficient rest and adequate food. The shepherd must put himself at risk and often travel great distances to meet these basic needs, but he does so because his care and focus are on the sheep. Our satisfaction level is directly related to our proximity to the Good Shepherd.
The phrase “He renews my life” can convey two ideas. Renewal can refer to a straying sheep that has been brought back to the fold; it also may point to the deep renewal available to all sheep that remain in relationship with the shepherd. The two pictures are intertwined. God desires abundance for all His sheep, even the straying ones.
“He leads me along the right paths” simply means that we will be safe and productive because of the Shepherd’s presence. This does not mean we will not face danger and difficulty as we follow the Shepherd. Verse 4 reminds us the sheep may travel through dark valleys, yet they can have courage in knowing they need not fear the danger as long as they remain near the shepherd.
The final phrase of verse 3—“for his name’s sake”—serves as a refrain. The Good Shepherd would never lead His sheep in paths that would prove harmful or destructive because it is contrary to His character. God gives the guidance we need “for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:4-5
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
In verses 1-3, the shepherd is pictured as a guide who scouts the landscape to lead his flock to food, water, and rest. Now he is seen as coming alongside the sheep to personally escort the flock. When the sheep face the testing of a dark valley, he is by their side.
When have you experienced
God’s presence in a dark valley?
The rod and staff were the tools the shepherd used to protect and guide his sheep. The rod was a short, club-like stick worn on the belt and used against animals and thieves. The staff could serve as a walking stick, but when necessary, the shepherd employed it to keep the sheep from straying off the path.
When we feel the pressure of the staff, we might be tempted to react in anger. But we can trust our Shepherd is concerned for our care and protection. God’s discipline is always motivated by His unchanging love. He guides us back onto the right path so that we will know His presence and experience His protection, even in the “darkest valley” (v. 4).
In verse 5, the imagery of the sheep and shepherd is exchanged for an even more intimate picture. David now pictured himself as a guest in the Lord’s house. Jesus the Good Shepherd reclined at a table with His disciples. Indeed, His last gathering with them before His crucifixion was when He kept the Passover with them. Jesus promised His disciples that He would one day eat and drink with them in His kingdom. When we are walking through dark valleys of doubt, discouragement, and difficulty, how good it is to know God is and will be with us!
Which of the images
in this passage is most
meaningful to you right now?
Psalm 23:6
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live.
The promises of this psalm continue to heap one upon the other. We are not simply promised a celebratory meal which will soon be over. We are not simply guests; we are residents. We will live with God as long as we live—which is forever!
“Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life.” Faithful love refers to God’s covenant love promised to His own people. Throughout Scripture, we see the people of God continually relying on the bedrock truth that God is faithful; He exhibits His goodness and faithful love to His people.
David concluded that he would live in the presence of God with His unending goodness and faithful love “as long as I live.” This phrase is literally “a length of days,” which is not explicitly an expression for eternity. However, since God’s covenant love has no end, the logic of the statement implies an eternal dwelling with God.
Jesus used the image of “the good shepherd” in John 10 to describe His own ministry. He contrasted the good shepherd to the stranger, the thief, the robber, and the hired hand. A thief and a robber desire only to steal and kill the sheep, and a hired hand flees when the sheep are threatened. In contrast, the Good Shepherd is willing to lay down His life for the sheep.
Jesus, God in human flesh, fully revealed what it means to address God as Jehovah Rohi. The Book of Revelation offers one final picture of Jesus, our Good Shepherd: “For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; he will guide them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:17). The Good Shepherd is the Lamb of God who lays down His life for His sheep and the Lamb of God who is eternally our Good Shepherd.
How can our actions and attitudes
demonstrate that we follow God as our Shepherd?
LIVE IT OUT
How will a relationship with the Good Shepherd make a difference in your life? Choose one of the following applications.
- Rest and trust. When God doesn’t provide what you think you need, trust His goodness. Spend some time this week thanking Him for His protection.
- Stay close. Sin will keep you from experiencing all the good the Shepherd desires for you. Acknowledge and confess any sin that keeps you separated from the One who desires to lead you to still waters.
- Slow down. If you are rushed and harried, it may be that you aren’t taking time for the Shepherd to feed you and restore your soul. Make changes to your schedule to ensure more quality time in God’s Word.
We all need help with directions from time to time, whether we like to admit it or not. Thankfully we have the truest guide for life in Jehovah Rohi, God Our Shepherd.
Teacher Notes:
Click Here to Watch
God guides us as He walks with us.
What is your image of a tour guide?
Slides: Trip to New Orleans
No one knows your life better than God does. No one knows what’s better than Christ. And just like the tour guide wants to show us what he knows and is passionate about, God wants to show us what He knows and is passionate about: how to fully enjoy the life He gave you.
King David used an even better illustration, one that captures the character of God. He related God to a shepherd. He walks with us. He guides us. He keeps us from harm. He protects us.
I. The Shepherd Gives Us the Guidance We Need
Psalm 23:1-3
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
David experienced sin and the deep sorrow of its consequences; he knew the pain of one son’s death and the rebellion of another who tried to take his kingdom. This psalm affirms that, through it all, David knew God as his tender Shepherd.
What does “the LORD is my shepherd” communicate to you?
Why is God a better guide than any other source where people seek guidance?
Is it more important to discover that God cares like a Shepherd or to know that God is my Shepherd?
- The profound impact of Psalm 23 is not discovering that God cares like a Shepherd, but the intimacy of the truth that God is my Shepherd. He is the Shepherd who “lets me lie down in green pastures”; who “leads me beside quiet waters.” David knew he belonged to the Lord and that gave him calm assurance in the midst of trials.
What does David’s statement of “I have what I need” mean to you?
- David’s expression of absolute trust: “I have what I need.” He mentioned the green pastures and quiet waters first because they are fundamental needs of the sheep if they are to survive and grow. Sheep cannot continue to follow the shepherd without sufficient rest and adequate food. The shepherd must put himself at risk and often travel great distances to meet these basic needs, but he does so because his care and focus are on the sheep. Our satisfaction level is directly related to our proximity to the Good Shepherd.
What does David’s statement of “He renews my life” mean to you?
- The phrase “He renews my life” can convey two ideas. Renewal can refer to a straying sheep that has been brought back to the fold; it also may point to the deep renewal available to all sheep that remain in relationship with the shepherd. The two pictures are intertwined. God desires abundance for all His sheep, even the straying ones.
What does David’s statement of “He leads me along the right paths” mean to you?
- “He leads me along the right paths” simply means that we will be safe and productive because of the Shepherd’s presence. This does not mean we will not face danger and difficulty as we follow the Shepherd.
Points: The Lord is present with us to provide for our needs. The Lord is present with us to lead us in the right and best way. What the Lord does on our behalf should bring glory to His name.
In verses 1-3, the shepherd is pictured as a guide who scouts the landscape to lead his flock to food, water, and rest. Now he is seen as coming alongside the sheep to personally escort the flock. When the sheep face the testing of a dark valley, he is by their side.
II. The Shepherd Walks with Us in Our Difficulties
Psalm 23:4-5
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
What feelings do you experience as you wrestle with these verses?
Why do you think God most often chooses to lead us through and not over problems?
- With Jesus – “The Eye of the Storm” / Year of Difficulty
What does the rod and staff mean to you?
- The rod and staff were the tools the shepherd used to protect and guide his sheep. The rod was a short, club-like stick worn on the belt and used against animals and thieves. The staff could serve as a walking stick, but when necessary, the shepherd employed it to keep the sheep from straying off the path.
- When we feel the pressure of the staff, we might be tempted to react in anger. But we can trust our Shepherd is concerned for our care and protection. God’s discipline is always motivated by His unchanging love. He guides us back onto the right path so that we will know His presence and experience His protection, even in the “darkest valley” (v. 4).
What does David’s statement of God preparing “a table before me in the presence of my enemies” mean to you?
- In verse 5, the imagery of the sheep and shepherd is exchanged for an even more intimate picture. David now pictured himself as a guest in the Lord’s house. Jesus the Good Shepherd reclined at a table with His disciples. Indeed, His last gathering with them before His crucifixion was when He kept the Passover with them. Jesus promised His disciples that He would one day eat and drink with them in His kingdom. When we are walking through dark valleys of doubt, discouragement, and difficulty, how good it is to know God is and will be with us!
Points: The Lords sustains us even during the most challenging, difficult, and dark periods of life. The Lord is generous toward us, giving us blessing that overflows.
III. Our Shepherd Gives Us Security
Psalm 23:6
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live.
What are the results of God shepherding His children?
What promise from God’s role as Jehovah Rohi do you find the most comforting and why?
Points: We are able to live all the days of our lives in the fullness of the Lord’s goodness and faithful love. Because of the Lord’s goodness and mercy, we enjoy the blessing of being part of His household. The care, protection, and provision of the Lord do not end in this life but continue in the eternity of heaven where we shall indeed dwell securely with Him forever.
David concluded that he would live in the presence of God with His unending goodness and faithful love “as long as I live.” This phrase is literally “a length of days,” which is not explicitly an expression for eternity. However, since God’s covenant love has no end, the logic of the statement implies an eternal dwelling with God.
Conclusion:
King David used an illustration of God as a Shepherd. He walks with us. He guides us. He keeps us from harm. He protects us.
But don’t just take David’s word for it. Jesus—God Himself—said the same thing.
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11).
Want a good tour? Go to New Orleans.
Want a good life? Go to the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ.
The Point: God guides us as He walks with us.
Outline:
I. A promise of provision.
A. He takes care of our physical needs.
1. “I shall not want” – That is, God will give us what we need.
a. This is not to deny the need for a work ethic (2 Thess. 3:10)
b. Neither does this mean God will give us what we want. (Prosperity Gospel)
2. “Green pastures, still waters” - The picture here is of an oasis.
a. Dry pastures are not good for sheep, but green pastures are.
b. “Still waters” suggests peace and tranquility.
B. He takes care of our spiritual needs.
1. He restores the soul.
a. He gives us strength when we’re weary.
b. He reassures us when we’re discouraged.
c. He enables us to face life’s difficulties.
2. He leads us in the path of righteousness.
b. When we keep our eyes on our Shepherd, He will always lead us in the way of righteousness.
II. A promise of protection.
A. He is with us even during the worst kind of dangers.
1. From what kind of dangers does God protect us?
a. Those who wish to destroy us.
b. Illness.
c. Loss of loved ones.
2. He promises not to lead us around these valleys, but through them.
a. We cannot avoid hardship and tragedy in this life.
b. We can trust God to take care of us during times of hardship.
3. He comforts us with His “rod” and His “staff”.
a. The “rod” was a club used against predators.
b. The “staff” was used to round up the flock and guide them.
B. He protects us from our enemies.
1. There are two ways to understand this imagery.
a. It could refer to a conquering king, whose defeated enemies are guests at a celebratory banquet.
b. It could refer to a scene of protection. That is, people can eat in peace even though their enemies are all around them.
2. The point is still the same: God will prevail.
a. The devil’s crowd may be winning battles in the short term, but they will not win the war.
b. This does not mean we will avoid persecution, but it does mean we can rest in the assurance of God’s ultimate victory.
C. He will protect us throughout life and beyond.
1. God’s goodness and mercy will be with us as long as we are in this world (Hebrews 13:5).
2. When we depart this world, we will be with Him forever.
What does it mean that my cup runneth over?
The phrase my cup runneth over is the King James Version’s wording of Psalm 23:5. Other versions say “my cup overflows.” A cup runs over when it cannot hold all that is being poured into it. The emphasis of Psalm 23 is the Good Shepherd’s loving care for His sheep (cf. John 10:11, 14). The Lord not only gives His people what they need (Psalm 23:1–2), but He supplies abundance in the midst of difficult times (verse 5). This abundance is not limited to material blessings under the Old Covenant, but it also includes the Holy Spirit’s future outpouring upon all who ask (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:1–4).
The Bible emphasizes the excessive love, blessing, and power that God desires to pour out on those who love Him (Malachi 3:10; Lamentations 3:22; Psalm 108:4). Jesus reflected God’s generosity when He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Paul continues that theme in Ephesians 3:20 and describes God as the One “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Romans 8:37 promises that we are “more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” The message echoed in each passage is that of God’s excessive grace and provision for every area of our lives. He is not stingy, nor are His blessings confined to temporal things. In Christ we can have overflowing joy, overflowing love, and overflowing peace. We can bear everlasting fruit for God’s kingdom, and we can overcome impossible challenges when the Holy Spirit fills our hearts until our “cup runneth over.”
The Bible records many mighty things done when people were filled with (i.e., controlled by) the Holy Spirit (Exodus 31:2–3; Ezekiel 43:5; Luke 1:67; Acts 4:31). We are urged to be filled with the Spirit as well (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 25). However, as a glass cannot be filled with milk if it is already filled with mud, we cannot be filled with the Spirit when we are already filled with sin, pride, or self-will. Before we can be filled to overflowing, we must be willing to empty ourselves of everything that would hinder the Spirit’s working in our lives. It is only when our hearts are filled with God that we can accomplish all He desires to do in and through us. His grace knows no limits for those whose hearts are wholly His (2 Chronicles 16:9a). He desires to fill us with His Spirit until our cup runneth over.
Hope to see you on Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
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