The Shepherd’s Provision

Memory Verse: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  Psalm 23:1

This week we continue to look at the Good Shepherd and examine discipleship from the viewpoint of the Shepherd’s care of His sheep. We recently focused on the disciplines in our lives that strengthen our relationship with our shepherd. (Bible reading, memorization, meditation, etc….) Continue to work on those disciplines as this week we take a deeper look at the bond between a shepherd (our Good Shepherd) and his sheep (us, as Christians).

Monday: Reading God’s Word (Psalm 23)

Most people have heard of the 23rd Psalm. It is quoted in music, spoken of in our worship services, read at funeral services. There are many Psalms that come to mind when we need them most. They inspire us, comfort us, and correct us. Let’s begin this week by reading through the 23rd Psalm. Since it’s such a short read, let’s also read through some other popular Psalms.

• 1st A psalm to bring us into God’s presence - Psalm 100
  
• 2nd A Psalm about greatness of our God - Psalm 19 
  
• 3rd A Psalm of praise - Psalm 150
  
• 4th A Psalm of repentance - Psalm 51 
  
• 5th A Psalm of confidence and trust - Psalm 91
  

Tuesday: Memorizing God’s Word (Psalm 23)

This week, commit to memorizing part or all of the 23rd Psalm. Scripture memorization is important as it helps us to recall important words that give us comfort, led us in instruction and correction, minister to others, and praise God with His inspired Word. A great app that was shared in my Sunday School class to help with this is Scripture Typer.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: Meditating on God’s Word, studying God’s Word, and integrating God’s Word into our lives. (Psalm 23)

Read back through the chapter. Meditate on its words. Seek wisdom, through prayer, on how God would have you interpret its words. 

1. Do several word studies keeping notes in your scripture journal. Consider the following words taken from this Psalm; comfort, anoint, mercy, dwell
   
2. Research to learn about the history of the book of Psalms and about its author, David and his life. Did you know he was born in Bethlehem? We all know he was a shepherd but what were some of his other occupations? 
   
3. Go through the Psalm and make a list of ways that God wants you to integrate these verses into your life. Are there areas of your life that you need the comfort of a shepherd? Do you need to stop and give God praise because your cup runneth over? 
   
4. Search your bible for cross references in order to better understand its principles. 
   

Example: For verse 23:1, look up John 10:11 and I Peter 2:25
                For verse 23:4 Look up Psalm 27:1 and 107:14
                For verse 23:5 Look up Psalm 16:5 and 92:10
                For verse 23:6 Look up Psalm 25:6, 7, 10
              
End the week by writing a summary of Psalm 23 and also writing a prayer of thanksgiving. Continue to memorize these words and test what you’ve learned by writing out the Psalm without having to peek at your Bible.