Choosing Abundance: Following the Good Shepherd
Summary
Psalm 23 paints a picture of the life we were created to enjoy—a life of abundance, peace, and security under the care of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. This is not just a poetic ideal, but a real and available way of living, one that Jesus himself came to offer. Yet, this life is not forced upon us; it is a daily choice. From the very beginning, God has given humanity the freedom to choose between life and death, blessing and curse. Jesus continues this invitation, declaring himself as the way, the truth, and the life, and inviting us to follow him into the pasture where we truly lack nothing.
But the pasture of the Good Shepherd is bordered by a fence, and on the other side lurk enemies intent on luring us away. These enemies—the flesh, the world, and the devil—are not always obvious, and their tactics are subtle. The desires of our flesh can be good, but when they become disordered or take the place of God as our provider, they lead us into a life of perpetual lack and dissatisfaction. The world, with its unpredictable hardships and injustices, can shake our trust in the Shepherd’s goodness, tempting us to doubt or despair. And the devil, the master of lies, works tirelessly to convince us that the grass is greener elsewhere, using half-truths and deceptions to draw us away from the Shepherd’s care.
Yet, none of these enemies have ultimate power over us. The Good Shepherd has already won the decisive victory. Our role is to recognize the tactics of these enemies, to resist their pull, and to intentionally turn—again and again—toward Jesus. This means surrendering our need for control, bringing our doubts and anxieties to him, and standing firm in faith, supported by the community of fellow believers who face the same struggles. The invitation remains: choose life, choose the pasture of the Good Shepherd, and experience the fullness of a life without lack.
Key Takeaways
- The Psalm 23 life is a daily choice, not an automatic inheritance. God respects our freedom and invites us to choose his pasture, where true abundance is found. Each day presents the opportunity to reaffirm our trust in the Good Shepherd, resisting the temptation to wander into pastures that promise much but deliver little. [44:26]
- The desires of the flesh are not inherently evil, but when they become disordered or replace God as our provider, they lead us into a cycle of striving and lack. Even noble desires, like providing for our families, can become traps if they cause us to rely on ourselves rather than on God’s sufficiency. True provision and contentment are found in surrendering these desires to the Shepherd. [52:24]
- The world’s unpredictability and suffering can shake our faith, tempting us to doubt God’s goodness or even his existence. In these moments, the invitation is to bring our questions and anxieties directly to Jesus, trusting that he cares for us and is present even in the darkest valleys. Honest lament and dependence on God are acts of faith, not signs of weakness. [59:45]
- The devil’s primary tactic is deception—using lies and half-truths to convince us that life apart from the Shepherd is more satisfying. He cannot force us out of God’s care, but he works to entice us away, often by exploiting our desires or our pain. Recognizing his strategies and clinging to the truth of God’s character is essential for spiritual resilience. [01:05:29]
- Resistance to these enemies is not a solitary endeavor. Drawing near to Jesus through spiritual practices, even when it’s difficult, and leaning on the support of the faith community are vital. The shared struggles of believers and the example of Jesus himself remind us that we are not alone, and that victory is already secured in Christ. [01:12:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction to Psalm 23
[02:10] - The Good Life Jesus Offers
[04:30] - The Choice: Whose Pasture Will We Live In?
[07:15] - Choices in Scripture: Genesis and Deuteronomy
[10:05] - Jesus as the Good Shepherd
[12:30] - What’s on the Other Side of the Fence?
[15:00] - The Enemies: Flesh, World, and Devil
[18:20] - The Desires of the Flesh
[22:00] - The Trap of Self-Dependence
[25:00] - The World’s Unpredictability
[28:00] - Wrestling with Doubt and Suffering
[31:00] - The Devil’s Deceptions and Half-Truths
[35:00] - Jesus’ Temptation and Our Own
[39:00] - Resisting the Enemy and Drawing Near
[42:00] - The Role of Community and Final Invitation
[44:26] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 23 – Choosing the Good Shepherd’s Pasture
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 23 (ESV)
> The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
> He makes me lie down in green pastures.
> He leads me beside still waters.
> He restores my soul.
> He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
> 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.
> You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
> you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
> Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
> and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
John 10:1-15 (ESV)
> [Jesus said,] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ... I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ... I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV)
> “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days...”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 23, what are some of the specific ways the Good Shepherd cares for his sheep? (see Psalm 23:1-6)
2. According to John 10, what is the difference between the Good Shepherd and the “thieves and robbers” who try to enter the sheepfold? (see John 10:1-15)
3. In Deuteronomy 30, what choice does God set before his people, and what does he urge them to do? (see Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
4. The sermon describes three main enemies on the “other side of the fence.” What are they, and how do they try to lure us away from the Good Shepherd’s pasture? [48:25]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that the Psalm 23 life is a daily choice, not something automatic. Why might God give us the freedom to choose, rather than forcing us to stay in his pasture? [44:26]
2. The desires of the flesh are described as not always evil, but sometimes they become “disordered.” What does it look like when a good desire (like providing for your family) becomes a trap? [52:24]
3. When the world’s unpredictability and suffering shake our faith, the sermon suggests bringing our doubts and anxieties to Jesus. Why is honest lament and dependence on God considered an act of faith, not weakness? [59:45]
4. The devil’s main tactic is deception—using lies and half-truths to convince us the grass is greener elsewhere. How can recognizing his strategies help us resist being drawn away from the Good Shepherd? [01:05:29]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that each day we have the opportunity to reaffirm our trust in the Good Shepherd. What does it look like for you, practically, to “choose the pasture of the Good Shepherd” in your daily life? Is there a specific area where you feel tempted to wander? [44:26]
2. Think about a desire in your life that is good in itself (like wanting to provide for your family, or seeking approval). Has that desire ever become disordered or taken the place of God as your provider? What would it look like to surrender that desire to Jesus this week? [52:24]
3. When you face suffering, disappointment, or things outside your control, do you tend to withdraw from God or bring your questions and pain to him? What is one step you could take to practice honest lament and dependence on God in a current struggle? [59:45]
4. The devil often uses half-truths and subtle lies to draw us away from God’s care. Can you identify a lie or half-truth you’ve been tempted to believe recently? How can you remind yourself of the truth of God’s character this week? [01:05:29]
5. The sermon emphasizes that resistance to these enemies is not a solitary endeavor. Who in your faith community can you lean on for support, encouragement, or accountability as you seek to follow Jesus? Is there someone you could reach out to this week? [01:12:34]
6. The Good Shepherd has already won the decisive victory, but we are still called to stand firm. What spiritual practice (prayer, Scripture reading, worship, etc.) helps you draw near to Jesus, especially when it’s difficult? How can you make space for this practice in your routine? [01:10:31]
7. The invitation is to “choose life.” Is there a specific choice or decision you are facing right now where you need to intentionally choose the way of Jesus? What would it look like to trust him with that decision? [01:14:07]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Good Shepherd Offers a Life Without Lack
The Psalm 23 life is not just a poetic ideal but a real, abundant life that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers to all who choose to follow Him. This life is marked by deep provision, rest, guidance, protection, and love—where we lack nothing essential because we are in the presence of the Shepherd who knows and cares for us intimately. Yet, this life is not automatic; it is a daily choice to trust and remain in the Shepherd’s pasture, resisting the allure of other “shepherds” that promise much but deliver only dissatisfaction and lack. [44:26]
Psalm 23 (ESV):
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
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.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel lack or dissatisfaction? How might you invite the Good Shepherd to meet you in that place today?
Day 2: We Are Given the Choice Between Life and Death
From the very beginning, God has given humanity the freedom to choose between life and death, blessing and curse, and this choice remains central to our spiritual journey. The invitation is not forced; God desires that we willingly choose the life He offers—a life found in relationship with Him, listening to His voice, and holding fast to Him as our source of true life. Each day, we are presented with opportunities to choose the Shepherd’s way or to follow other paths that ultimately lead to emptiness. [44:26]
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV):
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Reflection: What is one decision you face today where you can intentionally choose the way of life with God rather than the way of self or the world?
Day 3: The Enemies of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil
On the other side of the Shepherd’s pasture are three persistent enemies—the flesh, the world, and the devil—each seeking to draw us away from the abundant life God offers. The flesh tempts us with desires that can either lead us toward or away from God; the world confronts us with circumstances beyond our control that can sow doubt and fear; and the devil, the father of lies, works to separate us from the Shepherd through deception and half-truths. Recognizing these enemies helps us to resist their pull and remain anchored in the Shepherd’s care. [48:25]
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV):
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Reflection: Which of these three enemies—flesh, world, or devil—do you sense is most active in your life right now, and how can you bring this struggle honestly before God in prayer?
Day 4: The Devil’s Tactic Is Deception and Separation
The devil’s primary strategy is to convince us that the grass is greener outside the Shepherd’s pasture, using lies and half-truths to lure us away from God’s presence and provision. He cannot force us out, but he works relentlessly to make us believe that another shepherd or another way will satisfy us more. Yet, every time we follow his deception, we find only emptiness and disappointment. The call is to resist the devil by drawing near to God, submitting ourselves to the Good Shepherd, and learning to discern His voice above all others. [01:03:08]
John 8:44 (ESV):
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Reflection: What is one lie or half-truth you have believed about God or yourself that you need to bring into the light and replace with God’s truth today?
Day 5: Choosing the Shepherd’s Pasture Is a Daily Practice
Living the Psalm 23 life is not a passive experience but an active, daily choice to turn toward the Good Shepherd, especially when faced with temptation, doubt, or spiritual attack. This means intentionally practicing trust, drawing near to God through prayer, Scripture, and community, and resisting the pull of the enemies that seek to steal, kill, and destroy. Even when it is difficult or inconvenient, choosing the Shepherd’s pasture leads to a life of true security, provision, and peace—a life without lack. [01:14:07]
James 4:7-8 (ESV):
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to intentionally draw near to God and reaffirm your place in the Shepherd’s pasture?
Quotes
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