Psalm 23

read

Psalm 23

explore:

  1. Emphasize different words in v.1 in order to bring out the the verse’s full meaning. How does each reading enrich how you read Psalm 23/think about a rule of life?

    1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

    2. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

    3. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

    4. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  

  2. In v.2 why do you think David writes, “He makes me lie down…” compared to, “He allows me to lie down…”?

  3. Is the valley of shadow (v.4) included within the “paths of righteousness” of v.3? Why or why not?

  4. Notice how the pronouns used for God shift from the third person (“He” and “His”) in v.1-3 to more personal, second person pronouns (“You” and “Your”) in v.4. Why do you think David does this?

  5. What do you think v.5 means?

  6. Why is v.6 a fitting end to the psalm?

  7. Summarize Psalm 23 using your own words, in 1-2 sentences.


apply

  1. Describe a time when the Lord provided for you or lead you as your shepherd.

  2. Do you struggle to rest (v.2), either physically or spiritually, even though it’s something the Lord desires for you to enjoy? Are there any other areas of life in which you struggle to trust Jesus as your Good Shepherd?

  3. How is v.4 or v.5 a comfort to you?

  4. How does the promise of v.6 make a practical difference in how you live today? (relationships, priorities, work, emotions, etc.)

  5. Is there anything else the Lord is calling you to rest in or obey Him in as a result of meditating on this psalm?


pray

  • for one another, our church, our city

Doxology Admin