Preparing a Table: Psalm 23 and Being with God
Summary
Life often feels like a whirlwind of obligations, anxieties, and endless to-do lists. Yet, in the midst of our busyness, God is always present, inviting us to pause, breathe, and make space for divine presence. Drawing from Psalm 23, we are reminded of the many ways God cares for us: as Lord, as Shepherd, and as Host. Each of these images reveals a different facet of God’s relationship with us. As Lord, God is sovereign, inviting us to recognize that all we have—including the very ground beneath our feet—belongs to God. This calls us to stewardship, respect, and obedience, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude.
The image of God as Shepherd is deeply personal and interactive. Just as a shepherd tends to the needs of the sheep—feeding, guiding, and protecting—God is attentive to our needs, leading us to places of safety and nourishment. The “still waters” of Psalm 23 are not just tranquil scenes, but places of true safety and refreshment, even in a world where danger and uncertainty are real. God’s provision is not about giving us leftovers, but about offering us the best, the “good china,” and inviting us to a table prepared even in the presence of our enemies.
Yet, the presence of enemies and dark valleys is not ignored. God does not promise to remove all hardship or opposition, but to be with us through it. Sometimes, God’s presence at the table with our enemies opens the door to reconciliation and restoration, as seen in stories of forgiveness and healing. Other times, wisdom means stepping away and trusting God to work in ways we cannot see.
Ultimately, the invitation is to make room for God in our lives, to find our “still waters”—those places and practices where we are nourished and can hear God’s voice. Whether it’s a quiet chair, a group of friends, or moments of prayer throughout the day, these are the spaces where we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and love. As we go forward, we are called to clear out the clutter, to be present with God, and to let God’s goodness and mercy fill our days.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Identity Is Multifaceted and Beyond Our Limits
The metaphors of Lord, Shepherd, and Host in Psalm 23 each reveal a different aspect of God’s character. God is not confined to a single image or name; rather, these metaphors help us grasp the depth and breadth of God’s relationship with us. Recognizing this invites us to approach God with humility, openness, and a willingness to be surprised by grace. [06:49]
- Stewardship Flows from Recognizing God’s Ownership
Seeing God as Lord means acknowledging that everything we have—our time, our land, our resources—belongs to God. This challenges us to live as faithful stewards, caring for creation and for one another, not out of obligation, but as a response to God’s generosity. Our obedience is not about rigid rule-following, but about aligning our lives with God’s purposes. [08:10]
- God’s Shepherding Is Active, Attentive, and Unconditional
Like a shepherd who never abandons the flock, God pursues us, provides for us, and protects us, even when we wander. Our faith itself is a gift from God, a fruit of grace that enables us to trust and follow. There is nowhere we can go that is beyond the reach of God’s love and care. [10:41]
- God Prepares a Table Even in the Presence of Our Enemies
The promise of God’s presence does not mean a life free from conflict or pain. Instead, God meets us in the midst of our struggles, offering opportunities for reconciliation, healing, and restoration. Sometimes, this means forgiving those who have hurt us; other times, it means trusting God to work in situations we cannot control. [15:30]
- Finding Still Waters Requires Intentional Space for God
In a world that prizes busyness, making room for God is a radical act. Whether through daily prayer, gathering with others, or simply pausing to breathe, we are invited to seek out the “still waters” where we are nourished and restored. These practices help us recognize God’s voice and prepare us to follow wherever the Shepherd leads. [21:13]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:02] - Centering Ourselves for Worship
[03:01] - Opening Prayer and Psalm 23 Reading
[05:27] - Ellen’s Sheep Story: The Challenge of Shepherding
[06:49] - Exploring the Metaphors of Psalm 23
[08:10] - God as Lord: Ownership and Stewardship
[09:34] - God as Shepherd: Active Care and Grace
[10:41] - Still Waters: Safety and Provision
[12:30] - God’s Table: Receiving the Best
[13:55] - The Valley of Darkness and Presence of Enemies
[15:30] - Reconciliation and Restoration at God’s Table
[17:20] - God as Host: Invitation to Wholeness
[19:43] - Making Space for God in Our Busy Lives
[21:13] - Finding Your Still Waters
[22:09] - Community Prayers and Assurance
[23:18] - Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Finding Still Waters: God’s Presence in Our Busy Lives”
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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.
---
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three main images or metaphors used for God in Psalm 23, as highlighted in the sermon? ([06:49])
2. According to the sermon, what does the phrase “still waters” mean in the context of Psalm 23? How is it different from what we might imagine? ([10:41])
3. In the sermon, what does the “table prepared in the presence of my enemies” represent? ([15:30])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of a shepherd, and how does this relate to God’s care for us? ([09:34])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that God’s identity is “multifaceted and beyond our limits.” How does recognizing God as Lord, Shepherd, and Host change the way someone might relate to God? ([06:49])
2. The pastor mentions that God’s provision is not about “leftovers” but about giving us the best. What does this suggest about God’s attitude toward us, even when we feel unworthy? ([12:30])
3. The sermon shares a story about reconciliation at the table with an enemy. What does this teach about God’s presence in difficult relationships or situations? ([15:30])
4. The idea of “still waters” is connected to intentional space for God. Why might it be important to find or create these spaces in our lives? ([21:13])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to see everything we have as belonging to God. Is there an area of your life (time, resources, relationships) where you struggle to see yourself as a steward rather than an owner? What would it look like to practice stewardship in that area this week? ([08:10])
2. The image of God as Shepherd means God is attentive and never abandons us. Can you recall a recent time when you felt lost or overwhelmed? How did you experience (or miss) God’s care in that moment? ([09:34])
3. The “table in the presence of my enemies” can mean facing people or situations that are hard. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or seek reconciliation with? What is one step you could take toward that this week, or how can you trust God with that relationship if it’s not safe to engage? ([15:30])
4. The sermon talks about making intentional space for God—finding your “still waters.” What is one practical way you can create space for God in your daily routine this week? (e.g., a prayer chair, a walk, a few minutes of silence) ([21:13])
5. The pastor mentions that sometimes our lives are filled with “obligations of the world, but not the calling of God.” Is there a commitment or activity you need to reconsider or let go of to make more room for God? ([19:43])
6. The sermon encourages us to pray “little prayers” throughout the day. What is one short prayer you could use to remind yourself of God’s presence during a busy or stressful moment? ([19:43])
7. The story of the men’s group finding “still waters” together suggests that community can help us connect with God. Who are the people in your life who help you find rest and spiritual nourishment? How can you be more intentional about spending time with them this week? ([21:13])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silence, asking God to show them where their “still waters” are and to help them make space for God’s presence in the week ahead.
Devotional
Day 1: God as Our Shepherd and Provider
God is not a distant overseer but an attentive shepherd who cares for every need, guiding us to places of nourishment and safety, and seeking us out when we wander. Just as a shepherd tends to the flock, God provides for us, protects us from harm, and ensures that we are never beyond the reach of divine love. In every season—whether we are in green pastures or walking through dark valleys—God’s presence is steadfast, offering comfort and guidance. We are invited to trust in this care, recognizing that our faith itself is a gift from God, and to let that trust shape our actions toward others and creation. [10:41]
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: Where in your life do you most need to trust God’s shepherding care today, and how might you let go of self-reliance to receive His guidance and provision?
Day 2: God Prepares a Table—Restoration and Reconciliation
God’s hospitality is extravagant, preparing a table for us even in the presence of our enemies, offering not just sustenance but opportunities for restoration and reconciliation. The table God sets is not about exclusion or triumph over others, but about the possibility of healing broken relationships and finding peace even in difficult circumstances. Sometimes, this means forgiving those who have hurt us or being open to conversations that lead to understanding and healing. God’s presence at the table assures us of protection and invites us to participate in the work of mending what is broken in our world and in our hearts. [17:20]
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: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation or offer forgiveness? What step could you take this week to move toward restoration, trusting God’s presence at the table?
Day 3: Finding Still Waters—Making Space for God
In the midst of our busy and anxious lives, God invites us to seek out “still waters”—places and moments where we can be nourished, refreshed, and reminded of God’s presence. These still waters may look different for each of us: a quiet chair for prayer, a walk in nature, or time spent with a supportive community. The key is to intentionally make space for God, clearing away distractions and obligations that crowd out our relationship with the Divine. When we find our still waters, we are better able to hear God’s voice, receive God’s peace, and be led where we need to go. [21:13]
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 specific place or practice you can set aside this week to be your “still water”—a space to rest, pray, and be with God?
Day 4: Obedience and Relationship—Following the Shepherd’s Voice
Our relationship with God is not just about receiving care but also about responding in obedience and trust, recognizing God as both Lord and Shepherd. Just as sheep learn to recognize and follow the voice of their shepherd, we are called to discern God’s guidance in our lives and to align our actions with God’s calling rather than the endless demands of the world. This means evaluating our commitments, making time for God, and being willing to let go of what distracts us from God’s purposes. When we spend time with God in both light and darkness, we become attuned to God’s voice and are equipped to follow wherever we are led. [19:43]
John 10:27 (ESV):
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to obedience or change? How can you intentionally listen for and respond to God’s voice this week?
Day 5: God’s Invitation—Receiving Grace and Letting Go of Busyness
God’s invitation to us is not based on our achievements or busyness, but on grace—a never-ending welcome to the table, to relationship, and to rest. We are reminded that we do not have to earn our place with God; we are God’s beloved children, invited to let go of the pressures and anxieties that weigh us down. By accepting this invitation, we open ourselves to God’s nourishment, assurance, and peace, and we are empowered to live lives filled with meaningful encounters rather than meaningless striving. God calls us to slow down, to be present, and to receive the abundance that is already prepared for us. [23:18]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV):
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Reflection: What is one burden or obligation you can lay down today in order to accept God’s invitation to rest and receive His grace?
Quotes
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