I Shall Not Want: Finding Rest in Psalm 23

Psalm 23 (verses 1–4) provides a steady anchor amid political chaos and personal fear. The psalm opens with the confident claim “I shall not want,” rooted in the image of the Lord as shepherd who provides, leads, and restores. That declaration arises from David’s life: a shepherd boy who faced bears and lions, a warrior who felled Goliath, and a repentant king who knew both failure and divine mercy. Those experiences forged an unshakable trust that informs the psalm’s promises of provision, guidance, and renewal.

The text receives three clear readings. First, the Lord as shepherd names a relational providence—not abstract power but close, intimate care that shapes identity and response. Second, remembering past deliverances steadies faith in present trials; recollection of God’s faithfulness becomes an active resource when fear threatens. Third, the psalm promises rest and restoration: green pastures, still waters, and soul renewal point to sanctuary even amid turmoil.

The contemporary setting frames these truths against a world of rapid change, moral confusion, and institutional instability. Cultural anxiety becomes the background against which Psalm 23 shines as timeless and practical. The psalm’s ancient imagery applies directly to modern needs—food, shelter, dignity, and spiritual renewal—calling for dependence on God’s shepherding rather than mere self-reliance. Practical compassion and personal surrender emerge as logical outworkings: those in need require concrete help, and every believer benefits from cultivating a daily, intimate walk with God.

The psalm ultimately functions as both theology and practice: a confident confession about God’s care, a memory exercise to reinforce courage, and a spiritual discipline that invites rest. The living God who guided David continues to lead, defend, and restore, offering refuge and purpose for those willing to lie down in green pastures and follow beside still waters.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Lord is my shepherd Remembering God as shepherd reframes fear into dependence. This image refuses distant deity and insists on personal guidance, provision, and protection in ordinary life. Declaring the Lord as shepherd roots identity in relationship, not achievement, and creates a posture of trust when circumstances threaten to define worth. [34:48]
• 2. Memory sustains faith in crisis Recollection of past deliverance supplies courage for present trials. Holding concrete memories of God’s intervention interrupts despair and provides theological proof against doubt. This discipline trains the heart to expect God’s activity rather than succumb to panic. [35:18]
• 3. Rest for the weary soul Green pastures and still waters offer spiritual restoration, not mere escape. Rest functions as an act of faith—yielding control to God’s care so the soul can be renewed for faithful service. Regularly seeking this rest prevents spiritual erosion in chaotic seasons. [36:37]
• 4. Prepared through past battles Formation often comes through hardship and daily duties, not instant successes. The skills, courage, and reliance formed in small, gritty contests equip for larger confrontations of life. Viewing past struggles as preparation reframes suffering as purposeful shaping rather than meaningless pain. [32:27]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:47] - Scripture Introduction
• [09:30] - Psalm 23 Reading
• [21:19] - Title: I Shall Not Want
• [22:07] - Classics and Cultural Crisis
• [26:00] - Purpose and Power of Psalm 23
• [28:04] - David’s Life: Heart and Failings
• [32:27] - Preparation: Shepherd to Warrior
• [34:31] - Three Key Points Summarized
• [36:37] - Rest and Restoration Explained
• [38:50] - Practical Application & Invitation
• [48:28] - Closing Prayer and Sending

1. What are the specific actions the shepherd takes for his sheep in the first two verses?
2. What does the phrase "for his name's sake" tell us about the shepherd's motivation for leading us?
3. According to the sermon, what real-life experiences from David's past (like facing lions or Goliath) forged the trust found in this psalm? [32:27]
4. What three key points from the psalm were highlighted as a summary? [34:31]

1. The image of God as a shepherd implies a close, relational care rather than a distant, abstract power. How does this specific relationship change the way a person might view their needs and fears?
2. The sermon states that "memory sustains faith in crisis." [35:18] How can recalling a past instance of God's deliverance provide practical strength in a present-day struggle?
3. What does it mean that rest in "green pastures" is an act of faith and not just an escape from chaos? [36:37] What is the difference between the two?
4. The rod and staff of the shepherd were tools for both protection and correction. How can God's comfort sometimes involve both of these things at once?

1. In what area of your life right now is it most difficult to truly believe and declare, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want"? What would it look like to move from self-reliance to dependence in that area? [34:48]
2. "Recollection of past deliverance supplies courage for present trials." [35:18] What is one specific time you can remember God providing, protecting, or guiding you? How can you actively hold onto that memory this week when anxiety or fear threatens?
3. The world is full of noise and chaos. What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally "lie down in green pastures" and allow God to restore your soul? [36:37]
4. David's small, daily battles as a shepherd prepared him for the giant Goliath. [32:27] Looking back, how have your past struggles and hardships actually prepared you for the challenges you face today?
5. The psalm promises that goodness and mercy will follow us. Who in your life right now might need to experience God's goodness and mercy through a practical act of help or compassion from you?
6. Is there a circumstance where you feel God is asking you to yield control and trust His shepherding care, even if the path doesn't make sense to you? What would it look like to take that first step of surrender?