Abiding in the PsalmsSample

.The Good Shepherd

There is a clear reason this is perhaps the best-known psalm: it is simply so nice to read. God regularly refers to Himself as a shepherd in the Scriptures because a shepherd provides for, guides, cares for and protects his sheep, just as God does for us. Along with the joyful pictures of green grass, quiet waters and God’s goodness following us there are two other points we ought to let rest on our soul.

In verse 3, we see the purpose of God’s leadership: it is that we may live and walk down the paths for His name’s sake. Seeing this helps us understand that these blessings aren’t simply that we may have the life we want, but the life He calls us to as our shepherd.

We also see in verse 4 that God does not stop being our shepherd when times are tough, nor is He any less loving or less of a provider. God is the perfect shepherd even when He leads us through valleys and darkness, for this shepherd knows what grows the sheep and God knows what grows us.

Questions

1. Do you trust that God is a good shepherd that wants to work through all things for your good?

2. Do you think you could say along with this psalm “I lack nothing”? How would knowing God as a shepherd change that?

3. When you seem to be in a valley or in darkness do you tend to look for God or look away from Him? Do you believe God wants to walk with you through those times?

4. What does the promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever mean to you? Does it guide the way you live?

Pray 

Pray that you would know the fullness of what it means to have our good God as your shepherd, that you would know the green pastures, quiet waters, refreshment for your soul, God’s guidance, fearlessness, His comfort, His anointing, His goodness following you, and the promise of dwelling in His house forever. Pray that you would follow as called.