Psalm 23

1. As we approach this passage of text, I am assuming we all have some preconceived notions about what it says. Before we even open up to this passage, I am wondering what you think this passage is about? What are the main ideas? What stage of life, or situation might David have been in? When have you heard this passage used in the past?

2. Let’s read the passage a few times on our own. Read it to yourself two or three times in the next few minutes. As you read the passage, I want you to look for your own bias. What does the passage actually say? Where might I be wrong in what I have thought about this passage? What part stood out to me in a fresh way? Are there any parts of the passage I thought I understood, but in reality, I am not sure what they mean? Take a few minutes to read through the text on your own, and then we will discuss.

3. What if I were to tell you that David is probably in a pretty good place in life? Most scholars believe that he is looking back at his life, and seeing where God was always there, seeing his own abundance. He is not writing about any specific situation or scenario. How would this change your reading of this text?

4. There are two different portrayals of the Lord in this passage. What are the two different portrayals? How are those two connected? How are those two different?

5. What things do we learn about the nature of our Lord from David’s description of Him being our Shepherd?

6. What do we learn about our Lord from the portrayal of Him as a Host? What roles and responsibilities might a host take responsibility for their guest according to what we see in this passage?

7. Most Scholars agree that the phrase “Dwell in the House of the Lord” in verse 6 is referring to the temple. In our New Testament Christian view we most likely read “Heaven” into this passage. If we assume that the scholars are correct, how does that change your reading of Psalm 23?

8. Based on our conversation, what has changed in how you view this passage? Break into groups of three and share with one another these new things that you have experienced in this passage. We will come back in a few and you share with the rest of us.

Responsibility

1. As you think about the core truths you have learned in this passage, where in your life can you see God’s role of Shepherd or Host in your own life?

2. When you face darkness where do turn. Do you tend to rely on God’s presence with you, or do you go in another direction?

3. When was the last time you focused on the abundance of what God has given you? In our world today it is easy to compare ourselves to all that is happening around us. Can you see the goodness and mercy of God in your life? If so, where? If not, what do you think about that? Is it there? Are you missing it? Is there something that needs to change?

Results

As my dad and I sat there bobbing up and down in the ocean wondering what would happen our rescue came. Someone saw us floating along out there. A lone windsurfer caught sight of us and came to check on us. About an hour later harbor patrol came to take aboard and drag in the boat. In the midst of the struggle someone saw us, and we were saved.

As minister at Sandals Church, that is the call on our life. We are called to see those that are struggling, we are called to see those that are bobbing along on the waves of life. Our job is to help connect that stranded sailor to the harbor master!

As we wrap up our time together, I would like to encourage you to put this into practice. Over the next week spend some time alone with Jesus. It might mean getting away, preferably in a green pasture, by some still water. If that is not possible, maybe a lawn chair in the park. Wherever you go, spend some time thinking about where God has shepherded you, and where he has hosted you. What are areas in your life where you need to rely on him more? What are areas that you have been trying to live on your own? If you were sitting at the Lord’s table today, what would he say to you?

How can you take these lessons and pass them off to those that we minister to? We cannot give what we have not received. When we meet people that are faced with darkness how can we point them toward the good shepherd? Can we help them see the anointing and overflow in their lives? How does your understanding of Psalm 23 help you minister to the people of our church?