Trusting the Good Shepherd Through Life's Journey
Summary
Life is a journey filled with unexpected challenges, uphill climbs, and moments of deep deprivation—much like my recent trek to Everest Base Camp. In those moments of exhaustion and lack, I discovered the profound reality of God as our Good Shepherd, the One who walks with us, strengthens us, and provides for us in ways we often cannot anticipate. Psalm 23, often reserved for times of grief, is actually a psalm for the living—a declaration that, no matter the path, we are never alone, and we lack nothing when the Lord is our Shepherd.
David, who penned this psalm, knew both the hardships of shepherding and the pain of betrayal and loss. Yet, he could say, “I lack nothing,” not because his life was easy, but because he was deeply satisfied in God’s presence and provision. The Lord’s shepherding heart is not distant or punitive; rather, He is gentle, lowly, and intimately acquainted with our struggles. Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd, not only knows our weaknesses but is drawn to us in them, holding us fast even when we stumble.
Our deepest needs are not merely physical but spiritual and emotional. We hunger for soul satisfaction, for a sense of belonging and purpose that only God can fill. Through Christ, we are invited to rest in the green pastures of His grace and drink from the still waters of His salvation. Even when we wander, He pursues us, rescues us, and restores us to paths of righteousness—not just for our good, but for His glory, so that others might see His beauty reflected in our lives.
The journey is not without valleys—dark places where fear and uncertainty threaten to overwhelm us. Yet, even there, His presence is our comfort and protection. He sends people to walk alongside us, and sometimes, in the smallest of provisions, He reminds us that He is near. In the presence of enemies, He prepares a table for us, anointing us with joy and filling our lives with blessings that overflow. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to live with hope and strength.
Ultimately, our hope is anchored in the promise that His goodness and love will follow us all our days, and that we will dwell with Him forever. The invitation is simple yet profound: Will we follow Him? Whether in green pastures or shadowed valleys, the Good Shepherd calls us to trust, to rest, and to walk with Him into eternity.
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Key Takeaways
- God’s Shepherding Heart Is Infinitely Gentle and Personal
God is not a distant or punitive figure, but a Shepherd whose heart is gentle and lowly. He knows us intimately, is drawn to us in our weakness, and holds us fast even when we stumble. Our failures do not repel Him; rather, they draw out His compassion and steadfast love, reminding us that our security rests in His grip, not our own. [16:34]
- Soul Satisfaction Comes Only from God’s Presence
Our deepest needs are not met by the things of this world, but by the presence and grace of our Good Shepherd. We are created with a longing that only God can fill, and when we turn to Him, He restores our souls, forgives our sins, and satisfies our deepest hungers. True rest and refreshment are found in lying down in the green pastures of His grace. [21:02]
- Righteous Paths Are Both a Gift and a Calling
God leads us in paths of righteousness, not just for our benefit, but for His glory. Walking in His ways brings true flourishing and joy, even when the path is difficult. Our personal holiness is the greatest gift we can offer others, as it reflects the beauty of God and invites others to seek Him for themselves. [28:00]
- God’s Presence Is Most Profound in the Valleys
The dark valleys of life are not signs of God’s absence, but opportunities to experience His presence more deeply. He comforts, protects, and provides for us, often through the care of others and in unexpected ways. In our hardest moments, He assures us that we are never alone, and His nearness becomes our greatest comfort. [32:23]
- Enduring Hope Anchors Us in God’s Promises
No matter how hard the journey, God’s goodness and love pursue us all our days, and our ultimate hope is secure in Him. The promise of eternal life with our Good Shepherd gives us courage to persevere, knowing that every trial is temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits us. This hope is not wishful thinking, but bedrock truth for every hard place we face. [39:41]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:58] - The Everest Journey and Life’s Turning Points
[03:32] - God’s Presence in Our Hardest Moments
[04:24] - Psalm 23: A Psalm for Life’s Journey
[06:51] - The Reality of Shepherding and Our Need
[08:13] - God as Shepherd Throughout Scripture
[09:30] - What We Believe About God Shapes Us
[11:33] - God’s Infinite Attributes and Love
[14:24] - Jesus: Gentle and Lowly in Heart
[16:34] - Held by the Shepherd’s Love
[18:22] - “I Lack Nothing”: Soul Satisfaction in God
[22:00] - Guided on Righteous Paths
[24:49] - God’s Rescue When We Wander
[26:16] - Living for God’s Glory
[29:22] - Comfort and Protection in the Valley
[32:23] - Experiencing God’s Care Through Others
[33:14] - Joy and Power at the Shepherd’s Table
[36:09] - Enduring Hope and the Promise of Eternity
[40:49] - The Invitation: Will You Follow Him?
[44:01] - Communion and Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “The Good Shepherd for Life’s Journey”
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 23 (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.
> 4 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.
> 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
> you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
> 6 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. What are some of the specific ways the Lord is described as a shepherd in Psalm 23? How does David say the Lord provides for him?
2. According to the sermon, what does David mean when he says, “I lack nothing”? Is this about having an easy life? [[18:22]]
3. What are the “valleys” mentioned in Psalm 23, and how does the psalmist say God responds to us in those times?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of God’s presence and provision during difficult moments? [[32:23]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think David, who experienced betrayal and loss, could still say, “I lack nothing”? What does this reveal about his relationship with God? [[18:22]]
2. The sermon says our deepest needs are spiritual and emotional, not just physical. How does Psalm 23 address these deeper needs? [[21:02]]
3. The speaker described God’s shepherding heart as “gentle and lowly.” How does this understanding of God challenge or affirm your own view of Him? [[14:24]]
4. What does it mean that God leads us in “paths of righteousness for his name’s sake”? How is this both a gift and a calling? [[26:16]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon shared a story about feeling exhausted and deprived on the Everest trek, but experiencing God’s presence in small, unexpected ways. Can you recall a time when you felt depleted or alone, but God showed up for you? What did that look like? [[32:23]]
2. David says, “I lack nothing,” not because his life was easy, but because he was satisfied in God. Are there areas in your life where you feel you are lacking? How might God be inviting you to find satisfaction in Him rather than in circumstances? [[18:22]]
3. The speaker emphasized that God’s heart is gentle and drawn to us in our weakness, not repelled by our failures. Is there a failure or weakness in your life that you tend to hide from God? What would it look like to bring it honestly to Him this week? [[16:34]]
4. The sermon said that “righteous paths” are both for our good and for God’s glory. Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to walk in His ways, even if it’s hard? What might it look like to choose His path this week? [[26:16]]
5. When you are in a “valley”—a season of fear, grief, or uncertainty—how do you usually respond? What practical step can you take to remember or experience God’s presence in those moments? [[29:22]]
6. The speaker mentioned that God often sends people to walk alongside us in hard times. Who has God sent to support you in a difficult season? Is there someone you could come alongside this week? [[30:49]]
7. The closing invitation was, “Will you follow Him?” Whether you are in green pastures or a shadowed valley, what is one step you can take this week to trust and follow the Good Shepherd more closely? [[40:49]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share prayer requests related to the valleys or challenges they are facing, and pray for one another to experience the gentle, personal care of the Good Shepherd this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The Lord is My Shepherd—God’s Personal Care and Provision
God is not a distant or indifferent deity; He is the Good Shepherd who knows each of His sheep intimately, cares for them, and provides for their every need. Just as a shepherd in the Middle East must vigilantly protect, guide, and nurture his helpless flock, so God watches over us with constant attention and love. Even when we feel lost, weak, or unworthy, He is present, leading us to places of rest and safety, and ensuring that we lack nothing truly necessary for our souls. In every season—whether in green pastures or barren wilderness—He is with us, sustaining and guiding us with His unfailing presence. [04:24]
Psalm 23:1-3 (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.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most feel a sense of lack or need right now, and how might you invite your Good Shepherd to meet you in that place today?
Day 2: God’s Heart—Gentle, Compassionate, and Full of Grace
God’s heart toward us is not one of anger or disappointment, but of deep compassion, gentleness, and mercy. He longs for reconciliation, not punishment, and is always ready to forgive and embrace us, no matter how far we have wandered. Jesus, who is “gentle and lowly in heart,” reveals the Father’s true nature by welcoming sinners, healing the broken, and loving the outcast. Even in our weakness and failure, He draws near to us, understanding our struggles and offering us grace upon grace. His love is infinitely greater than we can imagine, and nothing can separate us from it. [14:24]
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: Where do you most struggle to believe that God is gentle and compassionate toward you, and how can you open your heart to receive His grace in that area today?
Day 3: The Shepherd’s Guidance—Walking in Right Paths for His Glory
Our Good Shepherd not only provides for us but also leads us in paths of righteousness—ways of living that bring true flourishing and reflect His character to the world. These paths are not always easy, and we may be tempted to wander, but God lovingly pursues us, rescues us, and calls us back to Himself. When we choose His ways—ways of love, faithfulness, and kindness—we experience joy and become a blessing to others. Ultimately, walking in His paths brings glory to God, showing His beauty to those around us and inviting them to know Him too. [26:16]
Psalm 23:3 (ESV)
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Reflection: What is one specific choice you can make today to follow God’s path of righteousness, even if it feels difficult or countercultural?
Day 4: God’s Presence in the Valley—Comfort and Protection in Hard Times
Even when we walk through the darkest valleys—times of grief, fear, or uncertainty—our Shepherd is with us, offering comfort, protection, and strength. His rod and staff symbolize His power to defend us and His care to rescue us when we fall. We are never alone, no matter how deep the valley or how fierce the struggle. Sometimes, it is in these hard places that we experience God’s presence most profoundly, whether through the kindness of others or through quiet moments of unexpected provision. He is always near, holding us fast, and nothing can snatch us from His hand. [29:22]
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: Think of a recent or current “valley” in your life—how have you seen (or how might you look for) God’s presence and comfort in the midst of it?
Day 5: Enduring Hope—God’s Goodness and Love Will Follow Us Forever
Because the Lord is our Shepherd, we have a hope that endures beyond every hardship and trial. His goodness and love pursue us all the days of our lives, and He promises us a future with Him that is more glorious than we can imagine. No matter what we face now, we can trust that He is working for our good and that one day we will dwell with Him forever. This hope is not wishful thinking, but a bedrock truth that sustains us in every season and gives us courage to keep following Him, knowing that the best is yet to come. [38:07]
Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
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 does the promise of God’s enduring goodness and your eternal future with Him shape the way you face today’s challenges and decisions?
Quotes
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