Are you feeling lost, confused, or overwhelmed by the challenges of life? Discover the timeless wisdom of Psalm 23 and how it can provide comfort, guidance, and hope even in our darkest moments. Join Pastor Steve as he shares a personal testimony of how this beloved psalm ministered to him during a difficult trial. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just exploring faith, this insightful sermonette will inspire you to see God's goodness and find refuge in His loving presence. Don't miss this chance to nourish your soul - click play now!

This message was broadcast on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The Edge Church is located in Aurora, Illinois. For more information about our community, please visit http://www.edgeaurora.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for additional content and connections.

Psalm 23 Study:

Read Psalm 23 together as a group

Take a moment to just listen to “Psalm 23” by Phil Wickham together (maybe have people close their eyes & just receive from the Lord).

PERSONAL REFLECTION:

Take 10ish minutes & have each person read Psalm 23 on their own, reading one verse at a time & pausing to reflect and note anything that stands out.
Tell them to consider as they read:

What is this teaching me about God (Who He is, His character & works)?
What is this teaching me about me (My identity, purpose and calling)?
How do I apply this (is there a command to obey, example to follow, promise to claim, sin to avoid/confess or principle to apply)?

QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:

What does it mean to say that the Lord is my shepherd? How does the Lord as your shepherd encourage/challenge you? Can you honestly say today that the Lord is my shepherd or is there another you’ve been following?

What does the text teach us about how the shepherd cares for us? How are you experiencing God’s care in your life? Are there places you are doubting/questioning His care for you?

How do you understand verses 2-3 and how can we apply them? How does the Lord lead us to rest and restoration? What does resting in God look like? Are there things we can do to join God in His work of restoring our souls (see Matthew 11:28; Ps 19:7; James 5:16)?

What does verse 3 imply by stating the Lord guides us versus carries us? Why does it say that He leads us in this path & what does it mean?

Verse 4 reminds us that following the Lord doesn’t mean a life free of dark valleys. Are you in one right now? What does the Psalmist say is his reason for hope in the hardship? How have you experienced God’s presence in a valley?

Additionally, the shepherds rod was a club used for protection and correction, while his staff was used for guiding the sheep. How have you seen these tools of God used in your life?

Verses 5-6 gives us a picture of a banquet where our cups are overflowing and God’s goodness & mercy are pursuing us for all of eternity. What does it mean to have your head anointed with oil and your cup overflowing (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)? How do these verses give you hope & strength in your journey today?

GOAL FOR THIS WEEK: Read Psalm 23 each day & seek to memorize it. Use the passage as a basis for prayer each day, bringing to the Lord your questions, challenges and burdens. Ask Him to help you be aware of His presence, goodness and work in your life and then respond to that with action. Take time to give Him thanks and praise for His faithfulness, promises, protection, provision, guidance, rest, blessing and presence.