Walking with the Good Shepherd: Trust and Intimacy
Summary
Psalm 23 offers a vision of God that stands in stark contrast to the gods and idols of the ancient world—and the idols that still vie for our attention today. While the gods of Greece, Rome, and Canaan were unpredictable, self-serving, and often demanded ever-increasing sacrifices, the God revealed in Psalm 23 is a shepherd: dependable, safe, and intimately involved with his people. This shepherd does not rule with a trident or lightning bolt, but with care, guidance, and sacrificial love. The invitation is not to appease a distant deity, but to walk closely with a God who knows us, provides for us, and leads us through every season—green pastures and dark valleys alike.
Throughout history, humanity has been tempted to create gods in our own image—idols that promise much but deliver little, demanding more and more of our attention, affection, and resources. The Israelites faced this temptation with Baal, Ashtoreth, and Moloch, and we face it today with the distractions and false securities of modern life. Yet, the God of Psalm 23 is not made by human hands. He is the one true God, whose character is unchanging and whose promises are sure.
Jesus fulfills the vision of the good shepherd in a way that is radically countercultural. In a world obsessed with power and control, Jesus lays down his life for the sheep. He is not a hired hand who abandons us in trouble, but the shepherd who knows us by name and calls us to follow him. His voice is steady and trustworthy, inviting us into a life without lack—a life marked by his presence, provision, and peace.
The challenge is to recognize the subtle idols that still capture our hearts and to say “yes” to the good shepherd. Even when prayer feels hard or God’s voice seems distant, the invitation remains: keep walking with him. He is with us, guiding, protecting, and restoring us. As we reflect on Psalm 23, we are invited to listen for the characteristic of God that he wants to impress upon our hearts today, and to respond to his call to deeper intimacy and trust.
Key Takeaways
- God as the Countercultural Shepherd: Unlike the fickle, self-serving gods of ancient myth, the God of Psalm 23 is a shepherd who values, protects, and lovingly leads his people. This image challenges us to reject the idols of our age—whether ancient or modern—and to embrace a God whose power is expressed through care and presence, not domination or unpredictability. [42:16]
- Dependability in a World of Uncertainty: The good shepherd is utterly dependable, providing for his people in every circumstance. Just as God led Israel through the wilderness with provision and guidance, he remains steadfast in our lives today, offering nourishment, direction, and faithfulness across generations. Reflecting on God’s dependability invites us to trust him more deeply, especially when other sources of security fail. [46:11]
- Safety and Comfort in the Darkest Valleys: God’s presence transforms even the darkest valleys into places of comfort and safety. The promise is not the absence of hardship, but the assurance that we are never alone—his rod and staff guide and protect us. This reality invites us to bring our fears and anxieties to him, knowing that his love casts out fear and his presence brings peace. [47:22]
- The Predictable, Unchanging Character of God: In contrast to idols that are unpredictable and demanding, God reveals himself as consistent and trustworthy. His commands and promises are clear, written “in stone,” and his character does not shift with the winds of culture or circumstance. This predictability is a foundation for our faith, allowing us to rest in the knowledge that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [48:13]
- The Invitation to Walk with the Good Shepherd: Jesus, the fulfillment of Psalm 23, invites us not to appease him with sacrifices, but to follow him in relationship. The journey is not always easy, and there are seasons when prayer feels dry or God’s voice is hard to hear. Yet, the invitation remains: keep walking, keep listening, and trust that the good shepherd is with us, restoring and transforming us as we go. [54:25]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[32:08] - 40 Days of Prayer: Invitation and Updates
[34:51] - Praying for Relationships and Community
[37:28] - Ancient Gods: Mount Olympus and Idolatry
[40:20] - The Dysfunction of False Gods
[42:16] - The Good Shepherd: A Countercultural God
[43:54] - Idols of Israel: Baal, Ashtoreth, and Moloch
[44:43] - Psalm 115: The Futility of Idols
[46:11] - God’s Dependability Through History
[47:22] - Safety and Comfort in God’s Presence
[48:13] - The Predictable, Unchanging God
[49:28] - Jesus as the Good Shepherd
[50:31] - The Shepherd Who Lays Down His Life
[51:25] - The Universal Invitation of the Good Shepherd
[52:32] - Jesus: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
[53:27] - Walking with Jesus: Restoration and Invitation
[54:25] - Responding to the Shepherd’s Voice
[55:42] - Saying No to Modern Idols
[57:03] - Reflecting on Psalm 23
[58:09] - Closing and Reflection
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Psalm 23 and the Good Shepherd
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### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23 (ESV)
- John 10:11-16 (ESV)
- Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Psalm 23, what are some of the specific ways the Lord is described as a shepherd? What actions does he take for his sheep?
2. According to John 10:11-16, what makes Jesus different from a hired hand when it comes to caring for the sheep?
3. The sermon described the gods of ancient Greece, Rome, and Canaan as unpredictable and self-serving. What are some examples given of how these gods acted, and how does that compare to the God of Psalm 23? [[40:20]]
4. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” What does this tell us about God’s character?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon contrasts the “idols” of the ancient world with the God of Psalm 23. Why do you think people were (and still are) drawn to idols, even though they are described as unreliable and demanding? [[43:54]]
2. In what ways does the image of God as a shepherd challenge our ideas about what it means for God to be powerful? [[42:16]]
3. Jesus says he “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). What does this reveal about the kind of relationship God wants with us, compared to the relationship people had with idols? [[49:28]]
4. The sermon mentions that God’s commands and promises are “written in stone” and that his character is unchanging. How does this predictability affect our ability to trust him, especially when life feels uncertain? [[48:13]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about “modern idols” that demand more and more of our attention, affection, and resources. What are some examples of these in your own life? Is there one you feel God is inviting you to say “no” to this week? [[55:42]]
2. Psalm 23 promises God’s presence “even though I walk through the darkest valley.” Can you share a time when you felt God’s comfort or protection during a difficult season? How did you experience his “rod and staff”? [[47:22]]
3. The idea of God as a dependable shepherd was highlighted. In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to trust God’s dependability? What would it look like to take a small step of trust this week? [[46:11]]
4. The sermon said that Jesus’ invitation is not to appease him with sacrifices, but to walk with him in relationship. Are there ways you’ve been trying to “earn” God’s favor instead of simply following him? What might it look like to shift from appeasing to walking with Jesus? [[54:25]]
5. When prayer feels hard or God’s voice seems distant, the sermon encouraged us to “keep walking” with the Good Shepherd. What practical steps can you take to keep walking with God during dry or difficult times? [[54:25]]
6. The sermon ended by asking, “What characteristic of God stands out for you in Psalm 23?” As you reflect on the psalm, is there a particular aspect of God’s character that you sense he wants to impress on your heart right now? How can you respond to that this week? [[57:03]]
7. The Israelites were tempted to follow idols for quick fixes and easy promises. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to look for quick solutions instead of trusting God’s timing and care? How can you bring those areas to God in prayer? [[43:54]]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Lord is My Shepherd—A Countercultural God of Care
Unlike the fickle and self-serving gods of ancient mythologies, the God revealed in Psalm 23 is a shepherd who lovingly cares for, values, and leads His people. He is not distant or unpredictable, but intimately involved, guiding His flock to green pastures and still waters, restoring souls, and providing comfort and protection. This image stands in stark contrast to the idols of the world, both ancient and modern, reminding us that our God is defined by His steadfast love and personal attention to each of us. [42:16]
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: What is one way you can intentionally rest in the care of your Good Shepherd today, trusting Him with a specific worry or need?
Day 2: The Futility of Idols—Choosing the Living God
The idols of the world, whether ancient statues or modern distractions, promise much but deliver little, demanding ever-increasing sacrifices while remaining silent and powerless. Psalm 115 exposes the emptiness of these false gods, contrasting them with the living God who sees, hears, and acts on behalf of His people. The call is to turn away from anything that captures our devotion and attention more than God, and to trust in the One who alone is worthy and dependable. [44:43]
Psalm 115:4-8 (ESV)
Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.
Reflection: What “small offerings” or distractions in your life are subtly drawing your focus away from God, and how can you say “no” to them today?
Day 3: Jesus, the Good Shepherd—Laying Down His Life
Jesus fulfills the promise of Psalm 23 by declaring Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and willingly lays down His life for them. Unlike hired hands or false gods, Jesus is present, sacrificial, and deeply invested in the well-being of His flock. His invitation is not to bow down in fear or appease with empty rituals, but to follow Him in a relationship marked by love, trust, and belonging. [50:31]
John 10:11-16 (ESV)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 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. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust Jesus’ sacrificial love for you, and how can you respond to His invitation to “come, follow me” today?
Day 4: God’s Unchanging Character—Dependable, Safe, and Predictable
God’s character is steadfast and unchanging, unlike the unpredictable gods and idols of the world. He is dependable, leading His people faithfully through every season, and safe, offering comfort and protection even in the darkest valleys. His promises are sure, written in stone and fulfilled in Christ, and He invites us to walk with Him in confidence, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [52:32]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Reflection: Where have you seen God’s faithfulness and consistency in your life, and how can remembering this help you face uncertainty or fear today?
Day 5: Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice—Invitation to Deeper Relationship
The Good Shepherd desires to speak to His sheep, guiding, comforting, and revealing His character to each one personally. Even when prayer feels difficult or God’s voice seems distant, the invitation remains to keep walking with Him, to listen for His voice in His Word, and to ask Him to speak anew. God wants to reveal a specific aspect of His character to you today—will you listen and receive? [57:03]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Reflection: As you reflect on God’s character today, what is one way you can intentionally listen for His voice—through Scripture, prayer, or quietness—and respond to what He reveals?
Quotes
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