A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23

Introduction post.

This is the beginning of my Fall Bible study. The book being used for this study is called A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, written by Phillip Keller. The study questions being used are from The 23rd Psalm, The Lord, Our Shepherd, written by Juanita Ryan. It is a part of the LifeGuide Bible study series. Both books cost about five dollars each. If you would like to participate in the study, you can copy and paste the questions posted each week into the comment section, and then record your personal answers. Additional questions, comments, and even criticisms can also be posted in the comment section.

What Psalm 23 is about and what to expect from this study.

Juanita Ryan writes:

Psalm 23 is a personal confession of love and gratitude from one human soul to God. It is a portrait of a God who is astonishingly intimate, kind, protective and generous with us. The message it offers, the golden key it holds out to us is this: we are invited to live securely in God's love and care for us. We are sheep - not very strong, not very wise, very much in need of help and guidance. God is a good Shepherd. God tends to us, cares for us, plans for us, provides for us, protects us, guides us and stays close to us. In life and in death we can come to know that all is well because God, our good Shepherd, is with us. Our part is to remember who we are and who God is. Our part is to rest in God's unfailing love, to follow God's faithful guidance and to allow ourselves to receive our good Shepherd's personal care for us.

The meaning, purpose and satisfaction we search for in life does not come from striving or proving ourselves or working hard to please others or God. The simple secret explored in this psalm is that life becomes rich, full and deeply satisfying when we rest in God's unfailing love.

May your heart and mind be nourished in the green pastures and beside the quiet waters of God's kindness. May your soul be restored as you grow in awareness of God's personal, tender care for you. May you rest in the promise of God's constant presence with you. May you know the peace and joy that come in anticipating that God's love and goodness will folow you all the days of your life. May you find your true home in the God who delights in you and who loves you unconditionally, abundantly and faithfully.