Finding Comfort and Guidance in Our Good Shepherd

Summary

Psalm 23 offers a profound revelation about both God and ourselves. God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rohi—our Shepherd—and in doing so, He also reveals that we are sheep. This is not a flattering comparison; sheep are easily deceived, prone to wander, and vulnerable to danger. We, too, are often misled by counterfeit shepherds—voices in our culture, our own desires, or the influence of others—that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead us astray. Like sheep, we can be spiritually dull, following the crowd into destructive patterns, consuming what harms us, and living with a constant sense of anxiety and vulnerability.

Yet, the beauty of Psalm 23 is not just in its poetry, but in its promise. God does not berate us for our weaknesses; instead, He lovingly declares, “I am your Shepherd.” He offers to lead, guide, and care for us in ways that no one else can. As our Shepherd, God points us in the right direction, providing for our needs and leading us to places of nourishment and rest. He does this through His Word, which lights our path, and through the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who calls us to follow Him in both word and deed.

God’s shepherding is not just about provision, but also about protection. Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, surrounded by threats and fears, He is with us. His presence, His rod and staff, bring comfort and security, drowning out the voices of fear with His own song of assurance. He does not promise a life free from trouble, but He does promise that we will never face it alone.

Finally, God promises that following Him will never lead us to a dead end. Even in the presence of our enemies, He prepares a table for us, anoints us, and causes our cup to overflow. His goodness and mercy pursue us all our days, leading us not to destruction, but to eternal fellowship in His house. The invitation is personal: not just to acknowledge God as a shepherd, but to claim Him as “my Shepherd”—to admit our need, believe in His sufficiency, and commit every area of our lives to His leading.

Key Takeaways

- Our Identity as Sheep Reveals Our Deep Need for Guidance
Being called sheep is not a compliment; it is a diagnosis. We are easily deceived, spiritually dull, and prone to follow destructive paths simply because others do. Recognizing this is the first step toward humility and dependence on God, rather than self-reliance or the wisdom of the world. [08:17]

- Counterfeit Shepherds Abound, But Only God Leads to Life
The world offers many “shepherds”—success, approval, pleasure, control—that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead to emptiness or destruction. True life and direction are found only in following Jehovah Rohi, who leads us through His Word and the example of Christ. Regular self-examination is needed to discern whose voice we are truly following. [11:54]

- God’s Shepherding Provides Both Provision and Mission
The Good Shepherd not only meets our needs—rest, nourishment, restoration—but also leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. His guidance is both practical and purposeful, shaping us for His mission and glory. Our willingness to be led is measured by our engagement with His Word and our imitation of Christ’s walk. [21:05]

- In the Valley, God’s Presence and Protection Are Our Comfort
Life’s darkest valleys are not evidence of God’s absence, but opportunities to experience His nearness. The Shepherd’s rod and staff are not just symbols, but real means of protection and rescue. In times of fear and distress, the voice of the Shepherd drowns out the voices of our enemies, assuring us that we are never alone. [17:17]

- God’s Leadership Ends in Abundance, Not Dead Ends
When we allow God to shepherd us, He leads us to a place of peace and abundance—even in the presence of our enemies. His goodness and mercy pursue us, and every trial is allowed by His sovereign hand for our ultimate good. The journey ends not in loss, but in eternal fellowship with Him, if we will admit our need, believe in His sufficiency, and commit to follow. [21:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: The Name Above All Names
[03:05] - Bill Irwin’s Story: Trusting the Guide
[05:47] - Congregational Reading of Psalm 23
[08:17] - What It Means to Be Sheep
[11:54] - The Dangers of Counterfeit Shepherds
[13:50] - The Foolishness of Sheep and Our Own
[15:25] - Consuming What Destroys Us
[17:17] - Sheep in Distress: Our Vulnerability
[19:21] - Six Reasons We Need a Shepherd
[21:05] - God’s Response: The Good Shepherd’s Care
[23:30] - How God Leads: Word and Walk
[27:45] - Protection in the Valley of the Shadow
[31:10] - The Table in the Presence of Enemies
[34:00] - Goodness and Mercy: God’s Pursuit
[36:20] - Making Jehovah Rohi Your Shepherd
[39:00] - Closing Challenge and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 23 – The Lord Is My Shepherd

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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.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 23, what are some specific things the Shepherd does for the sheep? (Look for verbs like “leads,” “restores,” “prepares,” etc.)
2. In the sermon, what are some of the problems or weaknesses that sheep (and by comparison, people) have? [[19:21]]
3. What does the “valley of the shadow of death” represent in the psalm and in the sermon? [[17:17]]
4. What is the significance of the phrase “my Shepherd” instead of just “the Shepherd” in verse 1? [[39:00]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God chooses to compare us to sheep, even though it’s not a flattering comparison? What does this reveal about our spiritual condition? [[08:17]]
2. The sermon talks about “counterfeit shepherds” that try to lead us. What are some examples of these in our culture, and why are they so tempting to follow? [[11:54]]
3. How does God’s response to our weaknesses as sheep differ from how the world might respond? [[21:05]]
4. The psalm promises that “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” What does it mean for God’s goodness and mercy to “pursue” us, even in hard times? [[34:00]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that being called sheep is “not a compliment; it’s a diagnosis.” In what areas of your life do you see yourself acting like a sheep—easily deceived, anxious, or following the crowd? What would it look like to admit your need for a Shepherd in those areas? [[08:17]]
2. Think about the “counterfeit shepherds” in your life—voices, desires, or influences that promise fulfillment but lead you away from God. What is one specific “shepherd” you are tempted to follow, and how can you recognize and resist it this week? [[11:54]]
3. The sermon challenges us to let God lead us through His Word and the example of Jesus. How much time did you spend in God’s Word this past week? What is one practical step you can take to let God’s Word guide your decisions more? [[23:30]]
4. When you find yourself in a “valley”—a time of fear, loss, or uncertainty—what voices do you tend to listen to? How can you intentionally listen for the Shepherd’s voice instead? [[17:17]]
5. The psalm says God prepares a table for us “in the presence of our enemies.” Can you think of a time when God gave you peace or provision even when life was hard? How did that experience shape your trust in Him? [[34:00]]
6. The sermon ends with the ABCs: Admit, Believe, Commit. Is there an area of your life where you need to admit your need, believe in God’s sufficiency, or commit to following Him more fully? What is one step you can take this week? [[39:00]]
7. The Shepherd’s leadership “ends in abundance, not dead ends.” Are there places in your life where you feel stuck or hopeless? How might trusting God as your Shepherd change your perspective or actions in those areas? [[34:00]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking God to help each person admit their need, trust His leadership, and follow Him as their personal Shepherd this week.

Devotional

Day 1: The Lord is My Shepherd—We Are the Sheep
To say “The Lord is my shepherd” is to recognize both the greatness of God and the reality of our own condition: we are the sheep. This is not a compliment to our intelligence or strength, but a humbling truth about our vulnerability, tendency to wander, and deep need for guidance. Sheep are easily deceived, prone to follow the crowd into danger, and unable to provide for or protect themselves. Yet, in calling Himself our Shepherd, God declares His loving commitment to care for us, lead us, and rescue us from our own waywardness. Will you admit today that you are a sheep in need of being shepherded? [08:17]

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

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most resist admitting your need for God’s guidance, and what would it look like to humbly ask Him to shepherd you there today?


Day 2: The Good Shepherd Leads Us in the Right Direction
God, as our Shepherd, promises to lead us to places of nourishment, rest, and righteousness. He provides for our needs and points us toward the mission He has for us, not just through His Word but also through the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The question is not whether we say “The Lord is my shepherd” on Sunday, but whether we allow His Word and Christ’s example to guide our decisions, actions, and desires throughout the week. Are you letting the Shepherd lead you, or are you following counterfeit voices that promise fulfillment but lead to destruction? [21:05]

Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one decision you are facing this week where you need to intentionally seek God’s direction through His Word and the example of Jesus, rather than relying on your own wisdom or the world’s advice?


Day 3: The Shepherd Protects Us in Times of Distress
Even when we walk through the darkest valleys, surrounded by fear and threats, our Shepherd is with us. His presence brings comfort, and His rod and staff are not just symbols but real tools to protect and rescue us. In the midst of anxiety and distress, we can choose to listen to the voice of our Shepherd, who sings over us and drowns out the voices of fear and the enemy. God’s nearness is our security, and He is actively working to defend and deliver us, even when we feel most vulnerable. [24:40]

Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: When you feel overwhelmed by fear or anxiety, what practical step can you take today to listen for and trust the comforting voice of your Shepherd?


Day 4: The Shepherd Provides Abundantly, Even in the Presence of Enemies
God does not promise a life free from trouble, but He does promise His provision and peace even when enemies surround us. He prepares a table for us, anoints us, and causes our cup to overflow with blessings. Even in trials, we can have confidence that God has appointed and allowed these moments for our good, and that His goodness and mercy are relentlessly pursuing us. The Shepherd’s care is not just enough—it is abundant, and it leads us to a place of security and joy that the world cannot offer. [28:55]

Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV)
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: How can you choose to rest in God’s abundant provision and peace today, even if you are facing opposition or hardship?


Day 5: Commit to Making the Lord Your Shepherd
The most important truth is not just that the Lord is a shepherd, but that He is my shepherd. This is a personal, daily commitment to lean on Him, follow His lead, and trust Him with every part of your life. It means admitting your need, believing in Jesus as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for you, and committing to let Him guide you in every area—your thoughts, relationships, plans, and dreams. Will you make the Lord your Shepherd today, not just in word but in every step you take? [33:40]

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 specific area of your life where you need to stop trying to be your own shepherd and instead commit to following Jesus’ lead today?

Quotes

We scroll and we binge on all kinds of garbage that we know. If we were really honest with ourselves, we know that this stuff's killing us. We know this stuff that we're reading on our social media feeds or what we're watching on TV or what we're looking up on the computer. We know, we know it's killing us. We keep eating. We keep consuming. We keep taking it in. [00:15:59] (30 seconds)  #ConsumingWhatHarmsUs Edit Clip

But the good news is, and this is where it draws us to our text is, this is what makes God the great leader that he is. In fact, he's the best leader. Because here God comes, and he comes to this flock of sheep. And he says to this flock of sheep, listen, as we open to the 23rd Psalm, he doesn't say, you stupid, dumb, disoriented, deceived sheep. He doesn't start this psalm saying of us, you guys have got so many problems, and you rightfully should have them. You're a messed up bunch. He doesn't say that at all. Notice what he says. He says with love and kindness and goodness and grace, I'm your shepherd. I'm your shepherd. I want to lead you. I want to guide you. I see you in your trouble. I see you in your burdens. I see you in your difficulties. I see you with your worry and anxiety. I see you in your sin. And God says, I want you. [00:20:50] (67 seconds)  #GodLeadsWithLove Edit Clip

When the flock is being led into the valley of the shadow of death the shepherd wants to drown out the voices of the predators so they will sing loudly to their sheep so that the sheep hear their voice and not the voice of the predator friends this is so important for us we will at times go through the valley of the shadow of death and in those moments you're going to hear one of two voices you're going to hear the voice of your fears you're going to hear the voice of your enemies you're going to hear the voices of all of the trouble that is all about you and that voice will scare you to death or you will listen for the voice of your shepherd who sings and he announces to you in a voice that drowns out every other voice of every predator around you and it is the voice that says i am here i am with you [00:30:10] (61 seconds)  #ShepherdsVoiceOverFear Edit Clip

Whatever trial whatever tribulation you face that none of it none of it has come to you without the express written consent of god himself god isn't sitting there and you're saying goodbye to a loved one or you're dealing with a loss of a job or a bad medical report none of it you cannot ever look at god and say god did you not see this coming and god can't respond you say yeah that one kind of caught us off guard up here everything that we face god has given approval to allow it to take place and we should have confidence that if god has allowed it to take place then he's going to use it for our good [00:35:47] (40 seconds)  #ExceedingAbundantGrace Edit Clip

Will you believe that jesus is the good shepherd that once and for all you will stop giving yourself to the shepherds of this world and today you will say just as jesus did of himself jesus you're the good shepherd and jesus you've laid down your life for me and because you've laid down your life because you've given me new life in you because you've guided me i'm gonna follow you because you have saved me i'm gonna serve you do you believe that with all your heart [00:41:48] (34 seconds)  #AdmitNeedForGuidance Edit Clip