(Psalm 23 sermon 2) Led by the Shepherd

Today we continue in our journey through Psalm 23.

Last week, we paused to reflect on what it truly means for the Lord to be our Shepherd.

When the Lord becomes my Shepherd, the restlessness within me begins to still.

My heart settles, for I know that in Him I lack nothing.

Because He is the Good Shepherd, He provides for every need — not from scarcity, but from the endless riches of His glory.

His provision flows not from the economy of this world, but from the infinite currency of His goodness and mercy.

When I rest in the presence of the Shepherd, I no longer strive to earn a place in His pasture, for I know He has chosen me to be His own.

This brings a peace the world cannot give, a peace that only the Shepherd can provide.

Thus, I can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

To know this kind of peace and contentment,

that the Shepherd provides,

I must first allow the Lord to be my Shepherd.

And that requires a posture of surrender — to take the humble place of the sheep, and release my natural instinct to be my own guide.

It means letting go of the pride that seeks to chart my own course, and trusting the One who sees beyond what I can see.

Scripture tells us that, "His thoughts are not my thoughts, His ways are not my ways."

His thoughts and ways are different because His knowledge and understanding surpass all I could ever imagine.

Where I see obstacles, He sees opportunity. Where I see uncertainty, He sees the path already prepared.

When I see the testimony of His provision in my life,

my faith in the Good Shepherd increases.

The more I witness the success of His leading,

the more I know I can trust him completely.

I need not fear nor be anxious — for in the presence of the Good Shepherd, I find perfect contentment… Amen!

So today, we turn our hearts to see how the Shepherd leads — how He guides His sheep to rest in green pastures and beside still waters, how His leading restores our weary souls, and how He directs us along paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

The sermon titled for today is: “Led by the Shepherd.”

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 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. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Because the Lord is our Shepherd, He leads me to lie down in green pastures.

For sheep to truly rest and have their strength renewed, they must experience freedom in four key ways:

Free from fear.

Free from friction with others in the flock.

Free from pests and insects that cause constant irritation.

Free from hunger.

A good shepherd is always attentive—watching over his flock, removing what disturbs their peace, and ensuring they can rest without worry.

Fear… (Will run in terror based on a sheep that was startled by a rabbit)

Friction with other sheep… (pecking order… therefore always a battle for position.… lowest sheep usually have the most rest) [who is the greatest]

Bugs… (Drive them crazy so they will not rest)

Hunger… (Always wondering on their feet for food)

No — the phrase “He makes me lie down” in Psalm 23 does not imply that God is forceful or coercive in a harsh sense. Rather, it expresses a shepherd’s gentle authority and care, and it’s rich with meaning:

1. A Shepherd Provides Security

Sheep will not lie down if they feel threatened, hungry, or unsafe.

When God “makes me lie down,” it means He creates conditions of safety, provision, and peace so that we can rest.

It’s like saying: “I have cared for you; you can now relax because you are secure in Me.”

2. A Shepherd Leads to Rest, Not Strife

God’s leadership is not about forcing obedience through fear.

It’s a loving guidance: He knows when we need rest, refreshment, and renewal.

The “making” is more like inviting, directing, or guiding with authority born of love, not compulsion.

3. Spiritual Meaning

Spiritually, it reflects trust and surrender.

Just as a sheep must trust the shepherd to lie down without fear, we must trust God to provide, protect, and guide.

God “makes” us lie down by giving us what we need — provision, peace, and guidance — so that we can cease striving and find contentment.

Summary

God is not forceful in a harsh way. “He makes me lie down” is about His gentle authority, care, and provision, enabling us to rest and trust Him fully.

This morning, we will focus on three important truths that help us understand the heart and care of our Good Shepherd found in the first three verses of Psalm 23.

When the Lord is my Shepard,

I have....

Contentment

Provision

Guidance

Finding Peace in the Shepherd's Care

Bible Passage: Psalm 23:1-3

Summary: Psalm 23:1-3 portrays the LORD as our shepherd, emphasizing themes of provision, guidance, and restoration, inviting believers to find contentment in His care.

Application: This passage can help Christians find solace in the fact that God meets their needs, even in difficult circumstances. By trusting in God's provision and guidance, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace and contentment amidst life's challenges.

Teaching: This sermon could teach the importance of recognizing God as our shepherd, understanding how His care leads us to contentment, and how faith in His provision can transform our outlook on life's difficulties.

How this passage could point to Christ: In a broader context, this Psalm reflects Christ as the Good Shepherd, who leads His flock, ultimately bringing them into eternal life and fullness, showcasing God’s relentless love and care throughout biblical history.

Big Idea: Trusting in the Lord as our Shepherd leads to true contentment and peace in our lives, regardless of external circumstances.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the different translations of Psalm 23 to see how language impacts understanding. You might also examine Joseph's life in Genesis for themes of God's provision during hardship in Exodus, all accessible through Logos. Additionally, studying ancient Near Eastern shepherding practices can provide context about the significance of shepherd imagery in scripture.

1. The Lord Provides

Psalm 23:1

You could explore how the declaration, "The Lord is my shepherd," invites us to trust wholly in God's character and promises. This verse assures us of God's personal relationship with us and His commitment to provide, guide, and protect. By acknowledging the Lord as our shepherd, we can find contentment knowing our needs will be met. This point encourages believers to rest in God's sufficiency, knowing that in His presence, we lack nothing. Consider elaborating on how Christ fulfills this role as the ultimate shepherd, leading us to eternal satisfaction.

2. Peaceful Guidance

Psalm 23:2

Perhaps delve into how God leads us to "green pastures" and "still waters," symbols of peace and sustenance. This suggests that God not only meets our physical needs but also provides spiritual refreshment and calm. In life’s turbulent moments, we are called to trust in God’s ability to guide us to peace. Emphasize how Jesus, as our shepherd, brings serenity and rest to our souls, illustrating His nurturing and caring nature. Encourage believers to seek God's leading in moments of anxiety and stress, finding contentment in His divine provision.

3. Restorative Paths

Psalm 23:3

Maybe focus on how God "restores my soul" and "leads me in paths of righteousness." This indicates God’s active role in our spiritual renewal and moral direction. God's shepherding is not passive but restores and sanctifies, aligning us with His will. Highlight how this reflects Christ’s work as our shepherd, leading us toward holiness and ultimate rest in Him. Encourage believers to rely on the Spirit’s restorative power and seek daily to walk in God’s righteous paths, finding contentment and purpose in His guidance.

Shepherded to Satisfaction

Bible Passage: Psalm 23:1-3

Summary: In Psalm 23:1-3, the imagery of the Lord as our shepherd serves as a powerful reminder of His constant presence and provision. It illustrates a relationship built on trust, where God not only fulfills our basic needs but also nurtures our spiritual well-being, offering guidance toward righteousness and serenity.

Application: This sermon can guide believers through the trials of life, encouraging them to seek contentment and comfort in God's presence. It reassures them that regardless of their circumstances, they are never alone, and God will lead them to peace and fulfillment if they trust in Him and His plan.

Teaching: The teaching will focus on understanding the characteristics of God as a shepherd, which include provision, guidance, and nurture. By recognizing these attributes of God, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of contentment and reliance on Him, knowing that their spiritual and physical needs are in His hands.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ fulfills the role of the Good Shepherd in the New Testament, mirroring the qualities described in Psalm 23. He provides for the needs of His followers, offers guidance through the Holy Spirit, and is committed to their ultimate well-being, ensuring that they find satisfaction in Him alone.

Big Idea: True satisfaction comes from recognizing the Lord as our shepherd, who not only meets our needs but also leads us to a life of purpose and peace.

Recommended Study: Delve into the cultural significance of the shepherd-sheep relationship in ancient Israel to understand its implications in this passage. Explore how other biblical figures, such as David and Jesus, embody the characteristics of a shepherd. You can use Logos software to access commentaries and studies that compare these themes across both the Old and New Testaments, enhancing your understanding of this vital imagery.

1. Satisfaction in Security

Psalm 23:1

You could consider how understanding the Lord as our shepherd fosters a sense of trust and security. In this verse, God as our shepherd indicates personal care and attention, suggesting that true contentment starts with recognizing God’s personal involvement in our lives. Perhaps we find profound satisfaction when we acknowledge that everything we need and desire is in God’s loving provision. His presence is promised, ensuring we lack nothing truly necessary for life and godliness. As you meditate on this truth, encourage your flock to reflect on their personal relationship and reliance on Him as their shepherd.

2. Serenity Beside Still Waters

Psalm 23:2

Perhaps focusing on how God leads us to 'still waters' can symbolize peace and restoration amidst life’s chaos. This verse suggests that God offers moments of rest and tranquility, which are essential for our spiritual vitality. You might emphasize that our shepherd leads us intentionally to places of refreshment, teaching us to find calmness and assurance in His plan. In a restless world, encourage your audience to rest in God's promises, confident that He knows the paths that best restore their souls.

3. Significance in His Shepherding

Psalm 23:3

Maybe you could highlight how our shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, which suggests purpose and guidance in our journey. This sermon point underscores the importance of allowing God to direct our lives towards holiness and fulfillment. It is through His guidance that we achieve righteousness and reflect His glory in the world. As a shepherd guides, so too does Christ, leading His followers towards eternal truths. Encourage believers to seek and follow their shepherd's lead, trusting in His purpose for their lives.

Theme: When the Lord is truly our Shepherd, we discover that contentment isn’t found in having everything we want, but in knowing we already have everything we need — in Him.

1. Contentment Begins with Relationship, Not Resources

“The Lord is my shepherd.” (v.1a)

David doesn’t start with what he has, but with who he belongs to.

Contentment flows from ownership — not what we own, but who owns us.

The more personally we know the Shepherd, the less power discontentment has.

Truth: You can’t say “I shall not want” until you first say “The Lord is my Shepherd.”

Illustration: A child resting peacefully not because the night is calm, but because Dad is near — that’s contentment rooted in relationship.

2. Contentment Grows from Trust, Not Control

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.” (v.2)

Sheep only lie down when they feel safe, satisfied, and secure.

The Shepherd makes us lie down — sometimes pulling us away from busyness to teach us rest.

Still waters represent calm — not the absence of problems, but the presence of peace.

Key Thought: Discontentment says, “I need more.” Contentment says, “The Shepherd knows what I need.”

Application:

Stop fighting for control — start trusting His leading.

Let Him lead you to still waters instead of chasing rushing ones.

3. Contentment Is Restored by His Presence, Not Our Performance

“He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (v.3)

When we wander, the Shepherd brings us back — not with condemnation, but compassion.

True contentment is not found in perfection, but restoration.

He leads us rightly “for His name’s sake” — meaning our peace is rooted in His faithfulness, not our effort.

Truth: You’ll never find lasting contentment by striving — only by staying close to the Shepherd who restores your soul.

Illustration: A shepherd rescues a sheep caught in a thorn bush — patiently untangling it and carrying it home. Contentment comes when we rest in that kind of love.

✨ Closing Challenge:

Ask yourself:

Am I chasing contentment through possessions or position — or through the presence of my Shepherd?

Do I trust that what He provides is enough for today?

Main Takeaway:

Contentment is not the result of having everything you want — it’s the peace of knowing the Shepherd is everything you need.