Psalm 23: The Shepherd's Care — 4-Week Series

The whole psalm rests on the first four words; everything after is consequence.

Outline

1. The LORD is my shepherd
2. Green pastures and still waters
3. He restoreth my soul

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

Application question: What are you treating as your shepherd — savings, health, a person?

The psalm says through, not around — and it is the only verse where David stops speaking about God and starts speaking to Him.

Outline

1. The shadow, not the substance
2. Thou art with me
3. The rod and the staff

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.

Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Application question: What valley are you in, and what has God actually withheld from you in it?

God does not remove the enemies; He sets a table in front of them.

Outline

1. In the presence of mine enemies
2. Thou anointest my head with oil
3. My cup runneth over

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

Psalm 23:5 (KJV)

Application question: Where has God provided in the middle of opposition rather than after it?

Goodness and mercy do not meet David at the end; they follow him the whole way there.

Outline

1. Goodness and mercy shall follow
2. All the days of my life
3. I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Psalm 23:6 (KJV)

Application question: Look back over the last year. Where can you now see goodness and mercy following?

Can four weeks be sustained on six verses?

Comfortably. Psalm 23 has four distinct movements and dense cross-references throughout Scripture, especially John 10 and Revelation 7.

Is the series suitable for a funeral season?

Yes. Week two in particular is written for congregations carrying grief.

Is the series free?

Yes — free to preach, adapt, and print.