Trusting God: Our Shepherd Through Life's Valleys
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship and feel the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit. As we sit here, it's important to remember that our seats are the result of someone else's prayers and sacrifices. Someone prayed for a church in Seattle to declare the hope in Jesus, and here we are, benefiting from their generosity and faith. This morning, we continue our series, "The Trust Factor," focusing on depending on God. In a culture that values self-sufficiency, trusting God can be challenging, but it's essential.
We explored Psalm 23, a familiar passage that reminds us of God's role as our shepherd. David, who wrote this Psalm, knew firsthand the responsibilities and care a shepherd has for his sheep. He uses this metaphor to illustrate how God leads, protects, and provides for us. The shepherd walks ahead of the sheep, guiding them to green pastures and still waters, ensuring their well-being. This is a powerful image of how God leads us through life's challenges and uncertainties.
David's confidence in God is evident as he declares that he lacks nothing and trusts God in all circumstances. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, he fears no evil because God is with him. This assurance of God's presence and protection is a profound truth for us. We can trust God no matter what we face, knowing that His goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded to let God lead our lives. Whether it's a new challenge, a difficult season, or a time of uncertainty, we can trust that God is guiding us. We are invited to make this personal, to read Psalm 23 and let it speak to our hearts. We are encouraged to surrender specific areas of our lives to God and draw near to Him, assured of His presence and guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Sacrifice: Our current blessings are often the result of someone else's prayers and sacrifices. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of our faith journey and the importance of praying for others. [33:08]
2. Trusting God in All Circumstances: Trusting God means depending on Him in every situation, even when it's difficult. David's declaration in Psalm 23 that he lacks nothing because the Lord is his shepherd is a powerful reminder that we can trust God no matter what we face. [36:33]
3. God as Our Shepherd: The metaphor of God as our shepherd illustrates His care, guidance, and protection. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, God leads us to places of spiritual nourishment and peace. [40:31]
4. God's Presence in the Valley: Even in the darkest valleys, we can trust that God is with us. David's confidence in God's presence and protection, even in the valley of the shadow of death, assures us that we are never alone in our struggles. [01:00:42]
5. God's Goodness and Love Pursue Us: God's goodness and love are always pursuing us, guiding us back to Him. This relentless pursuit is a testament to His unwavering love and desire for us to trust and follow Him fully. [01:10:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:08] - The Power of Prayer and Sacrifice
[36:33] - Trusting God in All Circumstances
[40:31] - God as Our Shepherd
[01:00:42] - God's Presence in the Valley
[01:10:07] - God's Goodness and Love Pursue Us
[01:18:14] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23 (NIV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does David mean when he says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing"? How does this statement set the tone for the rest of Psalm 23?
2. In Psalm 23, what are the specific ways that God, as our shepherd, provides for and protects us? ([40:31])
3. How does David describe his confidence in God's presence even in the "valley of the shadow of death"? What tools does the shepherd use to comfort the sheep? ([01:00:42])
4. What does it mean when David says, "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life"? How does this reflect God's relentless pursuit of us? ([01:10:07])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of God as a shepherd help us understand His role in our lives? What aspects of a shepherd's job are most comforting to you? ([46:07])
2. Why is it significant that David says he will "fear no evil" because God is with him? How does this assurance impact our daily lives and challenges? ([01:00:42])
3. What does it mean to "walk through the valley of the shadow of death"? How can this passage provide comfort during difficult times? ([01:05:35])
4. How does the imagery of a table prepared in the presence of enemies illustrate God's provision and protection? What does this say about God's care for us even in the midst of adversity? ([01:08:37])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the power of someone else's prayers and sacrifices in your life. How can you be more intentional about praying for others and recognizing the interconnectedness of our faith journey? ([33:08])
2. Trusting God in all circumstances can be challenging. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God. What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him? ([36:33])
3. How can you practically let God lead your life, especially in new challenges or uncertain times? What does it look like to follow His guidance to "green pastures and still waters"? ([40:31])
4. Think about a recent "valley" experience in your life. How did you sense God's presence and protection during that time? How can you remind yourself of His presence in future challenges? ([01:00:42])
5. God's goodness and love are always pursuing us. How can you become more aware of this pursuit in your daily life? What practices can help you stay attuned to God's relentless love and guidance? ([01:10:07])
6. David's confidence in God's provision and protection is evident in Psalm 23. How can you cultivate a similar confidence in your own life? What specific actions can you take to deepen your trust in God?
7. Reflect on the metaphor of God as a shepherd and a host. How can you experience and share the peace and provision that comes from following Jesus? What changes might you need to make in your life to fully embrace His leadership? ([01:08:37])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Sacrifice
Our current blessings are often the result of someone else's prayers and sacrifices. Recognizing this helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of our faith journey and the importance of praying for others. When we gather in our church, we are standing on the foundation laid by those who came before us, who prayed fervently and sacrificed greatly for a place where the hope in Jesus could be declared. This interconnectedness of our faith journey reminds us that our prayers and sacrifices today can pave the way for future generations to experience God's love and grace.
As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to be mindful of the power of our prayers and the impact of our sacrifices. Just as we benefit from the faithfulness of others, we too can be a source of blessing and hope for those who come after us. Let us commit to praying for our community, our church, and the generations to come, trusting that God will use our prayers and sacrifices to accomplish His purposes.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV): "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has prayed for you or made sacrifices for your spiritual growth. How can you honor their legacy by praying for others and making sacrifices for their benefit today? [33:08]
Day 2: Trusting God in All Circumstances
Trusting God means depending on Him in every situation, even when it's difficult. David's declaration in Psalm 23 that he lacks nothing because the Lord is his shepherd is a powerful reminder that we can trust God no matter what we face. In a culture that values self-sufficiency, it can be challenging to relinquish control and place our trust in God. However, David's confidence in God's provision and care encourages us to do just that.
When we trust God, we acknowledge that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. This trust allows us to face life's challenges with peace and assurance, knowing that God is with us and will provide for our needs. Let us strive to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in God, relying on Him in every circumstance and believing that He will lead us through.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God? How can you take a step of faith today to depend on Him more fully in that area? [36:33]
Day 3: God as Our Shepherd
The metaphor of God as our shepherd illustrates His care, guidance, and protection. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters, God leads us to places of spiritual nourishment and peace. This imagery helps us understand the depth of God's love and His commitment to our well-being. A shepherd's role is to ensure the safety and health of the sheep, guiding them to the best pastures and protecting them from harm.
In the same way, God is actively involved in our lives, leading us to places where we can grow and thrive spiritually. He knows what we need and provides for us in ways that we may not always recognize. As we follow His guidance, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from being in His care. Let us embrace God as our shepherd, trusting Him to lead us and provide for our needs.
Isaiah 40:11 (ESV): "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's guidance and provision in your life? How can you more intentionally follow His lead and trust in His care? [40:31]
Day 4: God's Presence in the Valley
Even in the darkest valleys, we can trust that God is with us. David's confidence in God's presence and protection, even in the valley of the shadow of death, assures us that we are never alone in our struggles. Life is filled with challenges and difficult seasons, but we can find comfort in knowing that God walks with us through every trial.
God's presence in our lives brings hope and strength, enabling us to face our fears and uncertainties with courage. When we feel overwhelmed or afraid, we can turn to God and find solace in His unwavering presence. Let us hold on to the truth that God is with us, even in the darkest moments, and trust that He will see us through.
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or difficult season in your life. How did you experience God's presence during that time? How can you remind yourself of His presence in future struggles? [01:00:42]
Day 5: God's Goodness and Love Pursue Us
God's goodness and love are always pursuing us, guiding us back to Him. This relentless pursuit is a testament to His unwavering love and desire for us to trust and follow Him fully. No matter how far we may stray or how many mistakes we make, God's love remains constant, drawing us back to His embrace.
This understanding of God's persistent love encourages us to respond with gratitude and devotion. As we recognize His goodness and love in our lives, we are inspired to seek Him more earnestly and to live in a way that honors Him. Let us embrace the truth that God's love is always pursuing us and allow it to transform our hearts and lives.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's goodness and love pursuing you in your life? What steps can you take today to respond to His love and draw closer to Him? [01:10:07]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "See, the church isn't the hope of the world. Jesus is the hope of the world. And Jesus' chosen mechanism to reach the world is the church. And somebody prayed and said, we need a church here. And so because of that, because of their generosity and their sacrifice, we get to sit here." [33:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I can trust God no matter what. I can trust no matter, no matter what, no matter the circumstance, no matter what we're facing. It was not a surprise that this, that in July of 2024, Calvary Christian Assembly in Seattle, Washington, would be going through a transition. God was fully aware it was coming, and He's got a plan." [36:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Who is Jesus to you today? Not that Jesus is, is, is, is different, but how we experience Him is different, right? There's times when Jesus to us is, is our forgiveness. There's times when Jesus is our giver, right, where we become really aware, right, as we reflect and look at our sin." [37:53] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We can trust God no matter what. And you think, really? No matter what? Yes, no matter what. We can trust God in all circumstances. And that's a big statement. That's a huge statement when we consider what this life can do for us. We can trust God in all circumstances." [42:03] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Some of us and probably all of us in your bibles if you brought your bible this morning you need to underline that word surely you need to underline that word surely because sometimes we wonder and sometimes we can doubt sometimes we can be tempted to go is it going to happen for you and for me." [01:10:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "See, the shepherd walked out ahead of the sheep. Well, that does make sense, right? Because if the shepherd was following behind the sheep, is it safe to say it's going to be a little messy? Back there, especially if you've got a herd of a few hundred sheep. We need to be reminded that this is a time when fences were less of a thing. This was more nomadic, where the shepherds themselves were the fences that guided and kept the sheep in." [49:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "See, the shepherd looks ahead. The shepherd is looking and says, I know where the next green place is. I know exactly what your soul needs next, and you can follow me to that location. See, our dependence is beyond physical, though we trust for that too. We need lead to those environments that grow us spiritually, and we grow by following." [55:11] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can trust, as a believer, we can trust that He's going to lead us down the right paths. Notice in that passage, it says that He'll lead us down the right paths, not the easy ones. Boy, don't you wish you could change. I often remind people of Thomas Jefferson, who had the Thomas Jefferson Bible, where he cut out all the miracles of the Bible, all the evidence of supernatural, because in his mind, he couldn't rationalize it." [58:07] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The one thing that we are assured of as his sheep is his presence. God never, is never, not aware of what we face, and he's never not absent. He's always present. You grasp that? God is always aware, but he's also always present. In those moments when it seems like he's distant, in those moments when it seems like he's far away, we can begin to think, okay, then he's not here." [01:02:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We can trust God no matter what when it looks dark we can trust God no matter when we don't know the next right step we can trust God no matter when that wayward son or daughter are struggling for years maybe even decades we can trust God no matter what when that friend that that's hurt us and his severed relationship and it's strained and it's hard we can trust God no matter what when that friend that's hurt us and his severed relationship." [01:13:28] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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