The Shepherd and the SheepSample

Where We're Going (Context of Psalms 23)

Do you find yourself running but getting nowhere—striving with little to show for it? For thousands of years, multitudes of people just like you have found comfort in the beautiful words God spoke through David in Psalm 23. Growing up as a shepherd for his father’s flock, David mastered the art of caring for sheep. As a young man who would grow up to slay an unbeatable giant, run from a king who wanted him dead, become king himself and sin so grievously that he murdered to cover it up, David also knows a thing or two about trusting God, even when it’s hard.

In The Shepherd & The Sheep Bible study, we’re going to walk through Psalm 23 and discover four things that shepherds give their flock:

Day 1) Leadership (Psalm 23:1-3)

Day 2) Comfort (Psalm 23:4)

Day 3) Provision (Psalm 23:5)

Day 4) Belonging (Psalm 23:6)

Prayerfully, as sheep deeply loved by God, the ultimate Shepherd, we will experience rest for our souls as we learn to surrender to Him!

Day 1) Leadership

The How, Where & Why Of God’s Leadership

1) How: He Makes Me Lie Down

When we consider the relationship between a shepherd and their sheep, the question of who is in charge becomes clear. God, our Shepherd, is sovereign, meaning He has ultimate power. Sheep have the option to run away or disobey, but the shepherd will never stop pursuing them. God's leadership begins when we surrender (lie down) and trust His guidance.

2) Where: Green Pastures, Still Waters & Paths Of Righteousness

When we finally stop striving and choose to trust His leadership, where will God take us? Green pastures are environments prepared by God, where we experience provision we could never earn through our own effort. Still waters are where our thirst is satisfied, and we can experience His “living water” (John 4:10). Paths of righteousness are the plans He has for our future, which, though they may not always be easy, are far better than anything we could come up with ourselves.

3) Why: His Name’s Sake

Why does God do all of this? Is it so that we can shine the spotlight on ourselves and brag about our success? No, it is all meant to glorify His name. Every green pasture, still water, and path of righteousness we find ourselves on is meant to be a platform from which we point people to our gracious Shepherd!

Big Idea: God, our sovereign Shepherd, calls us to surrender and trust His leadership. When we do, He promises to guide us into provision, peace, and purpose that we could never achieve on our own, leading us to respond by glorifying His name!

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) When you think of “surrender”, what image comes to mind? Is trusting others something that comes naturally to you? Why or why not?

Question 2) Can you think of a time where God provided for you or someone you know in an unexpected way? What was that experience like?

Question 3) What are some practical ways we can honor God in our everyday lives?