Summary

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and familiar passages in all of Scripture, yet its depth and power are often overlooked because of its familiarity. Today, the focus is on the opening words: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” These words are not just poetic; they are a profound declaration about the nature of God and our relationship with Him. The word “LORD” in all capitals refers to Yahweh, the personal, covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. This name speaks of God’s self-existence, His power, and His uniqueness—He is the great “I AM,” the One who is beyond comparison, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Yet, astonishingly, this transcendent God chooses to be known as “my shepherd.” David, who himself was a shepherd, understood the intimacy, care, and constant attention that a shepherd gives to his sheep. To call God “my shepherd” is to acknowledge both His majesty and His nearness. It is not a possessive claim, but an intimate one—God is not just a distant ruler, but One who knows us, cares for us, and is personally involved in our lives. This relationship is not generic or collective; it is deeply personal and individual.

The role of a shepherd is to provide, protect, guide, and nurture. Sheep are utterly dependent on their shepherd for everything—food, water, safety, and direction. In the same way, we are called to recognize our dependence on God, to let go of our attempts to control our lives, and to trust Him to meet our needs. When God is truly our shepherd, we lack nothing essential. Our wants and anxieties fade as we rest in His provision and care.

However, there is a caution: it is easy to err by emphasizing either God’s power and transcendence to the neglect of His intimacy, or His nearness to the neglect of His holiness. We need a balanced view—God is both able and relatable. He is the Lord, exalted and holy, and yet He is also our shepherd, close and caring. When we seek Him first, trusting Him as both Lord and Shepherd, He promises to provide all that we need. Our role is simple but profound: to be the sheep, to surrender control, and to rest in the arms of our Shepherd.

Key Takeaways

- The name “LORD” (Yahweh) is not a generic title but God’s personal, covenant name, signifying His self-existence, power, and uniqueness. To know God as Yahweh is to recognize that nothing is impossible for Him, and that He is the same God who revealed Himself to Moses and acted mightily throughout history. This understanding should deepen our awe and trust in Him. [56:27]

- God’s desire is not just to be known as the all-powerful Creator, but as “my shepherd”—One who is intimately involved in our lives. This personal relationship means that God knows us individually, cares for us specifically, and invites us to experience closeness with Him. The intimacy of “my shepherd” is an invitation to ongoing, personal fellowship with the living God. [01:01:43]

- The shepherd’s role is to provide, protect, and guide, and sheep are utterly dependent on their shepherd. In the same way, we are called to recognize our dependence on God for every need—physical, emotional, and spiritual. When we try to shepherd ourselves or look to other “shepherds” like money, career, or relationships, we miss the fullness of God’s provision and care. [01:06:19]

- There is a spiritual danger in overemphasizing either God’s transcendence or His intimacy. If we see God only as distant and powerful, we may feel unworthy or disconnected; if we see Him only as close and familiar, we may lose reverence and awe. True spiritual health comes from holding both truths together: God is both majestic and near, able and relatable. [01:08:03]

- When God is truly our shepherd, we lack nothing essential. Our wants and anxieties are quieted as we trust in His provision—He leads us to green pastures and still waters, meeting our deepest needs. The call is to surrender control, embrace our identity as sheep, and rest in the sufficiency of our Shepherd, who is all we need. [01:10:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:41] - Testimony and Invitation to Prayer
[44:56] - God’s Transforming Power Through Prayer
[45:59] - The Inspiration for the Series: Psalm 23
[51:55] - The Meaning and History of “Jehovah” and “Yahweh”
[53:16] - Why We Use “LORD” in Our Bibles
[54:32] - The Covenant Name of God
[56:27] - God’s Self-Revelation: “I AM WHO I AM”
[57:22] - Reverence for God’s Name: Adonai
[58:40] - The Power and Possibility of God
[59:56] - The Lord as My Shepherd: Intimacy and Relationship
[01:01:43] - The Personal Nature of God
[01:03:43] - The Role and Tools of a Shepherd
[01:06:19] - What or Who is Your Shepherd?
[01:08:03] - Balancing God’s Majesty and Intimacy
[01:09:48] - “I Shall Not Want”: Trusting God’s Provision
[01:12:07] - Green Pastures and Still Waters: God’s Care
[01:14:57] - Letting God Be the Shepherd
[01:16:29] - Ministry Time and Closing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “The Lord is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)
> 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.

Exodus 3:13-15 (ESV)
> 13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
> 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
> 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV)
> 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
> 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
> 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Psalm 23:1, what does David call God, and what does this reveal about his relationship with God?
[[01:01:43]]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the word “LORD” being in all capital letters in our Bibles?
[[53:16]]

3. What are some of the main responsibilities of a shepherd, as described in the sermon?
[[01:03:43]]

4. In Matthew 6:31-33, what does Jesus say about our needs and how we should approach them?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why is it important to understand that “LORD” (Yahweh) is God’s personal, covenant name and not just a generic title? How might this affect the way someone relates to God?
[[56:27]]

2. The sermon warns about two errors: seeing God only as distant and powerful, or only as close and familiar. What are the dangers of each, and why is a balanced view necessary?
[[01:08:03]]

3. The role of a shepherd is to provide, protect, and guide. In what ways does God fulfill these roles in the lives of believers, according to both Psalm 23 and the sermon?
[[01:03:43]]

4. When David says, “I shall not want,” what does he mean by “want,” and how does this connect to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:31-33?
[[01:09:48]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon asks, “Who or what is your shepherd?” Are there things in your life (like money, career, or relationships) that you tend to look to for security or guidance instead of God? What would it look like to let God be your true shepherd?
[[01:06:19]]

2. The name “LORD” (Yahweh) reminds us that God is all-powerful and nothing is impossible for Him. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to trust God’s power more deeply? What would it look like to surrender that to Him?
[[56:27]]

3. The sermon highlights the intimacy of calling God “my shepherd.” Do you find it easy or difficult to believe that God cares for you personally and knows you by name? Why or why not?
[[01:01:43]]

4. The sermon mentions the danger of overemphasizing either God’s majesty or His intimacy. Which side do you tend to lean toward in your relationship with God? How can you grow in holding both together?
[[01:08:03]]

5. Psalm 23:2 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” What are some practical ways you can rest in God’s provision and care this week, especially when you feel anxious or in need?
[[01:12:07]]

6. The sermon says, “Be the sheep.” What does it mean for you to surrender control and trust God as your shepherd in a specific area of your life right now?
[[01:15:48]]

7. Jesus says to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” What is one step you can take this week to put God first, trusting that He will provide for your needs?
[[01:14:57]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray, asking God to help them trust Him as both Lord and Shepherd, to surrender control, and to rest in His care and provision.

Devotional

Day 1: The Lord—Yahweh—Is All-Powerful and Personal

The name “LORD” in Psalm 23 is not just a title, but the personal, covenant name of God—Yahweh—who revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” This name signifies that God is self-existent, self-sustaining, and utterly unique, with power to do the impossible. He is not a distant deity, but the same God who parted the Red Sea, raised the dead, and continues to work miracles today. When you call on the LORD, you are calling on the One for whom nothing is impossible, and who desires to be known by you personally. [56:27]

Exodus 3:14 (ESV)
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust that nothing is impossible for the LORD, and how can you invite Him to reveal His power in that situation today?


Day 2: The Lord Is My Shepherd—Intimacy with the Almighty

David’s declaration, “The LORD is my shepherd,” reveals that the all-powerful God desires a personal, intimate relationship with each of us. God is not just “the shepherd” or “our shepherd,” but “my shepherd”—He knows your name, cares for you individually, and invites you to experience closeness with Him. This intimacy is not possessive, but deeply relational, like the love described in Song of Solomon: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” You are invited to know God not only as majestic and holy, but as your personal guide and friend. [01:01:43]

Psalm 23:1 (ESV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with God this week, speaking to Him as your shepherd who knows and loves you?


Day 3: The Shepherd Provides All Our Needs

When the Lord is your shepherd, you lack nothing—He meets every need, so your wants no longer control you. God’s provision is complete: He is your Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Healer, and Sanctifier. Trusting Him as your shepherd means letting go of striving and anxiety, and resting in His sufficiency. The more you focus on what you want, the more you become enslaved to desires and distractions; but when you trust the Shepherd, you find true contentment and freedom from want. [01:10:35]

Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one “want” or area of discontent you can surrender to God today, trusting Him to provide what you truly need?


Day 4: The Shepherd Leads Us to Rest and Refreshment

God, as our shepherd, leads us to green pastures and still waters—He provides not just for our survival, but for our flourishing and peace. Just as sheep need nourishing grass and calm water, we need spiritual nourishment and rest that only God can give. Jesus reminds us not to worry about our needs, but to seek first His kingdom, trusting that He knows and cares for every detail of our lives. When we let God lead, He brings us to places of restoration and quietness for our souls. [01:14:57]

Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV)
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: Where do you need God’s rest and refreshment in your life right now, and how can you make space to let Him lead you to “green pastures” and “still waters” this week?


Day 5: Be the Sheep—Let God Be Your Shepherd

Sheep are utterly dependent on their shepherd for guidance, protection, and provision; in the same way, we are called to let go of control and trust God fully. Trying to be your own shepherd leads to anxiety and exhaustion, but surrendering to God’s care brings peace and security. The challenge is to stop relying on your own strength or other “shepherds” like money, work, or relationships, and instead embrace your identity as God’s beloved sheep, trusting Him to lead and care for you. [01:15:48]

John 10:14-15 (ESV)
I am the good shepherd. 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.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to be your own shepherd, and how can you surrender that area to God’s loving leadership today?

Quotes

So when David confesses that God is his shepherd, this shows that the Lord is personal. He's personal because again, he says, my shepherd. I can have a relationship with an all-powerful God of all creation. Think about that. That you can have a personal relationship with God. The Lord is my shepherd. That's not being possessive. That's being intimate. Not his shepherd or her shepherd, their shepherd, not even our shepherd. Because it's not like he has to wait in line to meet with his shepherd. No, the Lord is my shepherd. It's personal and it's one-on-one with him. The point here is that we can all experience intimacy with God. [01:01:29] (58 seconds)  #IntimateRelationshipWithGod Edit Clip

But often the problem, okay, for us is that God is not our shepherd. Instead, we make the shepherd of our own choosing. What do I mean by that? Instead of trusting God to shepherd us, to guide us, to help us, to care for us, instead, what do we do? We look to money, our job, the stock market, the 401k, and or various other relationships to be our shepherd. It's the question we need to ask. So who or what is our shepherd? Who or what is our shepherd in your life? Who or what are you putting your faith and trust in to take care of you and your family? Who or what is your shepherd? That is a question we all need to ask if we claim to be Christians. [01:06:19] (58 seconds)  #BalanceBetweenLordAndShepherd Edit Clip

Others have the tendency of erring on the side of emphasizing my shepherd. My shepherd side of God with absolutely no apologies. They only, and I've seen people do this, they only call on God as Papa or Daddy. Now, I'm not saying that's wrong, because the word Abba, we're supposed to call God our Abba. That's a term of endearment, right? But if you only call God always daddy or papa, I mean, I don't know. They consider God to be all love and no discipline. They often sing love songs to God that sounds more like love songs to a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Folks, we need a good balance of the Lord, right, which shows his majesty. But also, we need a balance between the Lord and my shepherd, which indicates intimacy. We need a good balance. [01:08:03] (60 seconds)  #NeedsMetWantsGone Edit Clip

So you need to just let go and fall into the arms of our Lord and shepherd who is our Savior, who is our Redeemer, who is our Justifier, our Deliverer, our Healer, and our Sanctifier. He's also the great I Am, who is all in all and everything we would ever need, period, done, finished, complete. He's all that we need. [01:10:35] (27 seconds)  #SeekFirstHisKingdom Edit Clip

If we have everything we need, then we don't need to struggle with our wants. Like a new model iPhone every year, right? Or a new outfit when our closets are full. Or a bigger house, bigger this, bigger that, more of this, more of that. You know what I'm talking about? Do you realize the more we want, the more money we have to make? Right? And then we become slaves to money. And the love of money begins to consume us in peace against our love for God. [01:11:05] (35 seconds)  #TrustGodForProvision Edit Clip

But he says this. Bust your tongue. seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be provided to you. What is Jesus saying? If we go back to Psalm 23, right? Let him be your Lord and your shepherd first. Let him be your Lord and your shepherd first. [01:14:38] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

If God is my shepherd, then that makes me what? Sheep. I'm sorry to say, we are sheep. And as I've already mentioned this many times before, sheep is a dumb animal. Hopefully I'm not offending anyone here, right? They're dumb animals who, they cannot take care of themselves at all. They need constant care and constant attention all the time. [01:15:26] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

So don't try to be the shepherd. Don't try to hold on to control. You know, if you think you have control over your own life and be the shepherd of your life, it's not going to work out. Let God be your shepherd, you be the sheep. So the next step is, be the sheep. Be the sheep. [01:15:55] (24 seconds) Edit Clip