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A Meditative guide to psalm 23 Christ Shepherd our REDEMPTION TEMPE TEMPE.REDEMPTIONAZ.COM // 2150 E SOUTHERN AVE TEMPE AZ 85282

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Page 1: Christ our Shepherdtempe.redemptionaz.com/wp.../05/ChristOurShepherd...Psalm 23 looks like, sounds like, smells like, tastes like, and feels like. INHABIT THE PSALM Questions are provided

A M e d i t a t i v e g u i d e t o p s a l m 2 3

Christ Shepherdo

ur

REDEMPTIONTEMPE

TEMPE.REDEMPTIONAZ.COM // 2150 E SOUTHERN AVE TEMPE AZ 85282

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Table of Contentsc h r i s t o u r s h e p h e r d

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15

INtroduction

How to use this guide

week one: he is our shepherd

week two: HE leads me

Week three: he restores me

week four: he comforts me

Week five: he blesses me

week six: he is with me

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Table of Contents // Page 2

All Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

© 2020 by Redemption Church TempeAll rights reserved.

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Psalm 23 is the most famous song of the Bible. Around the world, both Christians and those who have never stepped foot in a church have run to its words seeking safety from danger, comfort in despair, and respite from the exhaustion of life. From young children to the aged, many of us have memorized, recited, and sung the familiar and comforting lyrics of David’s song.

Christ our Good Shepherd stands at its center. He walks with us through the difficult valleys of life, cares for us on the journey, provides for us in the presence of our enemies, and is faithful to lead us home.

The six sections of this guide correspond to the six-week sermon series we’ll be going through together as a church. You are encouraged to memorize Psalm 23 over these six weeks as we go along.

Before we jump in, a little background to the Psalm . . .

The Shepherd KingKing David is the author of this psalm. When we first meet David, in 1 Samuel 16, he is a young shepherd herding his father’s sheep. He knew what it was like to guide his flock to green pastures, to protect them from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34–37), and to lead them through valleys to the safety of his father’s home. David’s care for his flock remained an abiding image when he later became king. He led Israel with the heart of a shepherd, displaying God's care and concern for his people.

Shepherd is a common image for kings in the Bible, who were called to protect and provide for the people of their kingdom ( 2 Samuel 5:2; 7:7; 1 Kings 22:17). God took David from being a shepherd of the flock in the pastures to being a shepherd of his people Israel (1 Chronicles 17:6–7; Psalm 78:70–72). God himself is the Shepherd of his people (Genesis 49:24), so kings were called to reflect the goodness of his rule. Evil kings who ruled for selfish gain and exploited the people were called “bad shepherds,” but God promised he would one day replace them with his Good Shepherd, who would establish justice and care for his people (Ezekiel 34; Jeremiah 23).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the better David, to whom Psalm 23 ultimately points (John 10; Luke 15). So when we learn to sing this psalm, we’re ultimately learning to rest in the character and comfort of our Savior, a Shepherd King who guides and leads us, walks the journey through the difficult places with us, and is faithful to bring us home.

Introduction

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Introduction // Page 3

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How to Use This GuideThis guide is an invitation to experience afresh the reassuring promises of Psalm 23. The goal of this meditative guide is to help you enter the psalm (rather than simply read it) and encounter Christ as our Good Shepherd as he guides us through this uncharted season.

Inhabiting a psalm is a practice that enables us to enter into a psalm by engaging our senses, our imaginations, and our emotions. As we do this, we bring our inner lives to God in prayer.

Prompts are provided each week to help you recreate the scene and inhabit the psalm. Choose the prompts that are most helpful for you to dwell on.

Breathe deeply and slowly for a full minute or longer if you’d like. The goal is to slow down our minds and give our body a chance to be present.

Read Psalm 23 slowly and out loud—even if you are by yourself. There is a power in hearing the words as you read them. Pause after each line and each verse. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly. Circle one word or phrase from the psalm that grabs your attention, even if you don’t know why. Pay attention to this word or phrase.

Recreate the scene by closing your eyes and imagining with your senses what Psalm 23 looks like, sounds like, smells like, tastes like, and feels like.

INHABIT THE PSALM

Questions are provided each week for reflection and/or discussion to help you integrate the promises of Psalm 23 with your everyday life. They can be used as journaling prompts for personal study and as conversation starters with your Redemption Community or Bible study group.

respond to the passage

A prayer is included each week to direct our hearts and minds toward Christ our Shepherd. Consider concluding your time in the psalm with this prayer. If you are gathering with others, take time to pray for each other.

PRAYER FOR THe WEEK

Psalm 23 is not a stand-alone song. It is rooted in the life of David, the shepherd boy who became king. It points to Jesus our Good Shepherd and speaks of the promises of God to his people. Take time each week to read the suggested Scripture passages to broaden your understanding of the Bible as a whole story.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

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Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // How to Use this Guide // Page 4

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1. What does it mean for a flock not to want? We do want a cure for disease and a means to provide for our families and broken relationships to be healed. Restoration and wholeness align with what God’s kingdom is like. He wants those things too. So, what was David getting at?

2. What are the things you look to more than Jesus to bring satisfaction? Is it possible, in difficult circumstances, to be satisfied and content in Christ?

3. One of the fascinating behaviors of sheep is the way they recognize the voice of their shep-herd. How have you heard the voice of the Shepherd in your own life? What characteristics distinguish his voice from other competing voices in your life?

4. David led a whole nation. He led soldiers into battle and a country into order and honoring God. Yet, he described his role as one who was led by a shepherd. How can we serve well and live out life’s responsibilities and at the same time be cared for and led by our Good Shepherd?

He is My ShepherdThe LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Psalm 23:1

WEEK ONE

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Focus your imagination on the LORD as our Shepherd, through the imagery of this scene. The point of these questions is not to arrive at one “right” answer but to slow down and cultivate your imagination. Through the language of the psalm and its genre of poetry, our hope is to encounter Christ our Good Shepherd. (See “How to Inhabit The Psalm” on page 4.)

Picture the shepherdVisualize his appearance. From your perspective as a sheep, how tall is he? Is he near or far? Are there other sheep with you?

Imagine the landscapeWhat does the scenery look like? Is it hilly or flat? What colors stand out? Is there dew on the ground? Are there clouds in the sky? What do you see on the horizon?

Listen for the shepherd’s voiceWhat does he want to say to you? What do you want to say to him? Is there anything you’re afraid he would say to you? How do you feel in his presence: safe, secure, weak, satisfied, afraid, frustrated?

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week One // Page 5

The opening of Psalm 23 focuses on the image of the Lord as our Shepherd. In some parts of the world, shepherds tend their sheep from behind. In the Middle East, however, shepherds lead their sheep from the front. So the biblical image is not of the shepherd driving the sheep, but guiding the sheep—by going ahead to lead to good pastures and protect from oncoming dangers.

Take a deep breath and sit in silence for a moment to calm and center your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Read Psalm 23—slowly and out loud.

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He is My ShepherdWeek one (continued)

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Read John 10:1–18 where Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd.

The Lord is our good shepherd Let us follow his rod and his staff

The Lord is our tender guideLet us release our grip on the

cares of this moment And trust his steady hand

The Lord is our mighty fortress Let us run to his shelter

And find strength against the powers of darkness

The Lord is our great physician Let us ease our pains in his care

And find healing in his truth

The Lord is our close companion Let us be open to him in our inner being And sense the nearness of his presence

The Lord is our only hopeLet us believe deeply

And by believing receive the life found in his name

The Lord is our shepherd We shall not want

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week One // Page 6

FOR FURTHER

reflection

If you are meeting with a group, take time to share prayer requests and praises together.

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He Leads MeHe makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psalm 23:2

WEEK two

1. There are fears we can wrongly believe at night that we wouldn’t believe at any other time. In the exercise above, how did you feel as you lay down to rest? What anxious thoughts keep you from falling asleep?

2. What practices help you place those cares into the hands of the Shepherd so that you can sleep soundly in his presence? How might falling asleep to the words of the Shepherd help you remember that he is carrying your anxieties?

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Open your imagination to the setting of these verses as you wander in your mind to the pastoral setting of the psalm. Sense Christ's presence with you there. He is the shepherd who leads you to nourishment and rest.

Visualize the pastureWhat shades of green do you see? Is it hilly? Is it flat? Are there other plants? Is the grass soft? Firm? Itchy? As you lie down, what do you feel: restful, vulnerable, secure, timid, free?

Imagine the waterWhat makes it still? Is it a stream? A pond? The ocean? Can you see it from the pasture? Can you hear it? Are you thirsty for the water?

Follow the shepherdHow does he lead you to the water? Does he call out to you or do you just follow wherever he leads? Do you notice the other sheep? Are there stragglers in the flock? Where are you?

This week draws our attention to how and where Christ our Shepherd leads us. Shepherds, aware of the anxieties that keep their flock from sleeping, lead their sheep to secure and calm places so they lie down and sleep. Often the shepherd’s presence in the midst of an unsettled flock quiets their distress and brings rest.

Take a deep breath and sit in silence for a moment to calm and center your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Read Psalm 23—slowly and out loud.

3. Water is essential for life. As a shepherd leads his sheep to still waters to drink, so Jesus invites us to himself to satisfy our thirst. Read John 7:37–39. What is the water that Jesus gives? Where are you thirsting for him?

4. Is there a place, either in your mind or an actual physical place, that for you is a “green pasture”? Where do you meet God to be reminded of his continual presence?

5. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Two // Page 7

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He Leads MeWeek two (continued)

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1. There are fears we can wrongly believe at night that we wouldn’t believe at any other time. In the exercise above, how did you feel as you lay down to rest? What anxious thoughts keep you from falling asleep?

2. What practices help you place those cares into the hands of the Shepherd so that you can sleep soundly in his presence? How might falling asleep to the words of the Shepherd help you remember that he is carrying your anxieties?

3. Water is essential for life. As a shepherd leads his sheep to still waters to drink, so Jesus invites us to himself to satisfy our thirst. Read John 7:37–39. What is the water that Jesus gives? Where are you thirsting for him?

4. Is there a place, either in your mind or an actual physical place, that for you is a “green pasture”? Where do you meet God to be reminded of his continual presence?

5. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

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O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice

we may know him who calls us each by name,

and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit,

lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

The Book of Common Prayer

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Two // Page 8

Read John 16:5–15 where Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as our Guide to lead us.

FOR FURTHER

reflection

If you are meeting with a group, take time to share prayer requests and praises together.

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He Restores MeHe restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:3

WEEK Three

1. Where are you feeling the need for your soul to be restored?

2. When you consider that Christ our Shepherd looks with delight to see your soul satisfied and restored, that this is work that brings him deep satisfaction, how does your heart respond?

3. David first speaks of a restored soul and then being led to paths of righteousness. How does a restored soul make it easier to follow God’s leading? On the flip side, how does doing good restore your soul? Do you have an example you can share?

4. What does it mean that God does things “for his name’s sake”? Discuss how that influences your understanding of how all of life can be all for Jesus.

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As you enter the psalm in your imagination, ponder the way in which Jesus leads you. Let your thoughts wander in the setting of the psalm and focus on Christ's presence with you as the Shepherd who delights to see you restored.

Imagine yourself as a sheep in the Shepherd’s flockWhere are you in relationship to the shepherd? What is your sense of the other sheep? Are they content? Agitated? How about you? How does the flock need the Shepherd to bring contentment and restoration?

Visualize the pathWhat does it look like? Is there anything on it? How does it feel below your feet: rocky, sandy, smooth, solid? Is it safe? Is it dangerous?

Observe the Shepherd’s leadingIs he leading you with his voice? With his eyes? With his staff ? Does he compel you to follow? What do you hear him say?

Philip Keller, in his book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, made this observation after his flock experienced a sound night’s sleep and nourishing pasture in the morning: “There, fully satisfied and happily refreshed, they would lie down to rest and ruminate through the day. Nothing pleased me more. I am confident this is the same reaction in my Master’s heart and mind when I meet the day in the same way. He loves to see me contented, quiet, at rest, and relaxed. He delights to know my soul and spirit have been refreshed and satisfied.” *

Take a deep breath and sit in silence for a moment to calm and center your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Read Psalm 23—slowly and out loud.

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Three // Page 9

5. How can our dependence on the tender care of our Shepherd during this season produce in us something so vital that even on the other side, we don’t want to let go of living in his presence?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

*Keller, W. Phillip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan 1970). 41.

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He Restores MeWeek three (continued)

1. Where are you feeling the need for your soul to be restored?

2. When you consider that Christ our Shepherd looks with delight to see your soul satisfied and restored, that this is work that brings him deep satisfaction, how does your heart respond?

3. David first speaks of a restored soul and then being led to paths of righteousness. How does a restored soul make it easier to follow God’s leading? On the flip side, how does doing good restore your soul? Do you have an example you can share?

4. What does it mean that God does things “for his name’s sake”? Discuss how that influences your understanding of how all of life can be all for Jesus.

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While the storm swirls in the world around me,

and these shifting winds howl through media screens,

Calm the seas of my soul.

The uncertainty of this season pulls my heart towards

the weary desert, where I feel alone. My efforts feel dry and my hope is brittle.

Grow into the soil of my inner being green shoots of fresh life.

When fear spreads beyond the crisis that causes it,

be a safe refuge for my body, my mind, and my spirit.

When frustration simmers below the surface, cleanse me from unrighteousness

and redeem me.

When exhaustion weighs upon my steps and my thoughts,

grant me your Spirit and restore me.

Amen.

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Three // Page 10

Read Zechariah 9:9–17; Amos 9:11–15 describing the Restoration of God’s people.

FOR FURTHER

reflection

5. How can our dependence on the tender care of our Shepherd during this season produce in us something so vital that even on the other side, we don’t want to let go of living in his presence?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

If you are meeting with a group, take time to share prayer requests and praises together.

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He Comforts MeEven 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.

Psalm 23:4

WEEK Four

1. A shepherd used his rod to protect his flock from enemies. Where have you known God’s protection in your life? Where has he protected you during this season?

2. A shepherd used his staff to prod and guide his sheep toward safety and sustenance, and to rescue them from danger. Where have you experienced God’s guidance? As you reflect on those experiences, how did God use them to provide comfort?

3. What does it mean to “fear no evil” in this season? What is the difference between being reckless with our health and the well-being of others versus acknowledging the fear but knowing God is with us in the brokenness?

4. Throughout the world, people are dying alone because of the contagious nature of COVID-19. How can the promise of God’s presence in the midst of the valley of the shadow

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Go in your mind’s eye to the valley with the Shepherd today. Pay attention to the way he leads you through the shadows, guides you with his staff, and protects you with his rod. Watch how his love for you removes fear and brings comfort.

Imagine the valleyHow high are the walls? How has the light changed since you left the pasture? Where are the shadows? Is there sound? Does it echo? What do you smell? Has the temperature dropped?

Observe the ShepherdIs he near, far away, beside you? Has he used his rod? His staff ? If he has guided you with his staff, what did it feel like? Can you hear his voice? Can you see his eyes?

Sense your emotions in the valleyHow do you feel: weak, afraid, exhausted, surprised, secure? How are you affected knowing the Shepherd is in the valley with you?

This week focuses our attention on how the Lord comforts us and walks with us through valleys of suffering and hardship. If ever there was a time in our generation when we sense the valley of the shadow of death, it is now. The uncertainty, fear, and instability is real. David knew the presence of enemies most of his life, yet he reminds us that in the midst of uncertainty we are led by a Shepherd whose presence is a comfort to us.

Take a deep breath and sit in silence for a moment to calm and center your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Read Psalm 23—slowly and out loud.

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Four // Page 11

of death, prompt you to pray specifically for frontline workers, families, and patients of this disease? Spend some time in your group praying together that God’s very real presence would be felt for those in the valley of the shadow of death.

5. Jesus, your Good Shepherd, sees you, hears you, and acts to comfort you. Where do you need to be comforted today?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

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He Comforts MeWeek four (continued)

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O Lord, arise, help us;And deliver us for your Name's sake.O God, we have heard with our ears,

and our fathers havedeclared unto us, the noble works

that you did in their days, and in the old time before them.

O Lord, arise, help us;and deliver us for your Name's sake.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever will be,

world without end. Amen.O Lord, arise, help us;

and deliver us for your Name's sake.From our enemies defend us, O Christ;

Graciously behold our afflictions.With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts;Mercifully forgive the sins of your people.

The Book of Common Prayer

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Four // Page 12

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–11 on the Comfort of God in difficult circumstances.

FOR FURTHER

reflection

1. A shepherd used his rod to protect his flock from enemies. Where have you known God’s protection in your life? Where has he protected you during this season?

2. A shepherd used his staff to prod and guide his sheep toward safety and sustenance, and to rescue them from danger. Where have you experienced God’s guidance? As you reflect on those experiences, how did God use them to provide comfort?

3. What does it mean to “fear no evil” in this season? What is the difference between being reckless with our health and the well-being of others versus acknowledging the fear but knowing God is with us in the brokenness?

4. Throughout the world, people are dying alone because of the contagious nature of COVID-19. How can the promise of God’s presence in the midst of the valley of the shadow

of death, prompt you to pray specifically for frontline workers, families, and patients of this disease? Spend some time in your group praying together that God’s very real presence would be felt for those in the valley of the shadow of death.

5. Jesus, your Good Shepherd, sees you, hears you, and acts to comfort you. Where do you need to be comforted today?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

If you are meeting with a group, take time to share prayer requests and praises together.

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He Blesses MeYou prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 23:5WEEK five

1. Early Jewish custom reveals the centrality of hospitality. Hosts provided food, lodging, and protection for their guests. How are you experiencing the care of God? What glimpses of God’s grace are tending to your soul? Where do you know his abundant blessing in your life?

2. Anointing with oil was a way of consecrating someone to a task. (See the story of David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16:1–13.) For most of us, our roles have shifted during this season. What is different for you? Talk about the work of your hands as work anointed by God for this time and place.

3. How is God empowering you by his Spirit to do the work he’s set in front of you?

4. Paul said that because of the power of God in him, he had learned to be content in any situation (See Philippians 4:11–14). It is one thing to bide our time until we come out on the

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Go in your imagination today to a celebration table. Let your mind wander to the setting of the psalm and the imagery of Christ the Shepherd’s generous invitation to feast at his table.

picture the tableWhere is it? What does it look like? What kind of food is on the table? Can you smell it? Is your mouth watering? What do you hope to find there? Who do you hope joins you at the table? How does it feel to be a guest at the Shepherd’s table?

imagine the anointing oilAs the Shepherd King pours oil over your head, how does it feel as it runs down your face and neck? Is it warm? Cool? Can you smell it? As he anoints you, does he touch you with his other hand? What is that like? What task has he given you?

Visualize yourself holding the overflowing cupWhat does it look like? Is it heavy? Are the contents spilling over onto your hands? What kind of drink does God pour for you? How is this drink a reminder of his blessing?

We focus our attention this week on how the Lord blesses us abundantly with his presence. In the middle of what is out to destroy us, God tends to us with gracious hospitality. He anoints us for work in his Kingdom and empowers us with more than enough to accomplish what he has called us to.

Take a deep breath and sit in silence for a moment to calm and center your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Read Psalm 23—slowly and out loud.

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Five // Page 13

other side of COVID-19 but another to experience contentment that comes from the overflowing presence of God’s Spirit in the middle of it. How are you practicing God’s presence this week?

5. How does the promise of Psalm 23:5 make you look forward to the day you will eat with Jesus in His kingdom?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

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He Blesses MeWeek five (continued)

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Lord, you prepare a table and a table means home.

Right now home is complicated. Home holds both the hopes and fears of a world that is murky with too much information

and often too little truth. My home has become crowded with the activity of a

morning coffee shop, an office, a gym, a theater, a schoolhouse, and it is still the

place where my head hits the pillow. This all feels like so much for one place to bear,

and it is rarely neutral ground.

Lord, prepare the table of your presence so that I may join you in your rest. Invite me to savor heaven’s joy. Sustain me with the

bread of life, to persevere through long days of trouble. Restore peace in the face of conflict. Fill me with your Spirit in my

inner being, so that the riches of your grace may overflow within me.

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Five // Page 14

Read 2 Samuel 7:18–29 where King David, the author of Psalm 23, responds to the Blessing of God.

FOR FURTHER

reflection

1. Early Jewish custom reveals the centrality of hospitality. Hosts provided food, lodging, and protection for their guests. How are you experiencing the care of God? What glimpses of God’s grace are tending to your soul? Where do you know his abundant blessing in your life?

2. Anointing with oil was a way of consecrating someone to a task. (See the story of David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16:1–13.) For most of us, our roles have shifted during this season. What is different for you? Talk about the work of your hands as work anointed by God for this time and place.

3. How is God empowering you by his Spirit to do the work he’s set in front of you?

4. Paul said that because of the power of God in him, he had learned to be content in any situation (See Philippians 4:11–14). It is one thing to bide our time until we come out on the

other side of COVID-19 but another to experience contentment that comes from the overflowing presence of God’s Spirit in the middle of it. How are you practicing God’s presence this week?

5. How does the promise of Psalm 23:5 make you look forward to the day you will eat with Jesus in His kingdom?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

If you are meeting with a group, take time to share prayer requests and praises together.

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He is With MeSurely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23:6WEEK six

1. Reflect on the reality that Christ our Shepherd is the eternally existing God. He is behind us, with us, and in front of us. David, in Psalm 139:5, put it this way, “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.” How does that help you breathe when life is hard? Is there a specific place where you long to know the shepherding presence of God this week?

2. Often, goodness and mercy land us at our destination, but we don’t recognize it until we turn around and see that they’ve been pursuing us all along. Is there a time when you didn’t see goodness and mercy until after you were through the difficult part of the journey? Talk about that.

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This week we get to imagine with David what the house of the LORD is like. David knew the old tabernacle from Israel’s wilderness days. It had survived the period of the Judges and eventually David was responsible for bringing it to Jerusalem. But the grand temple that Solomon built would not be a reality until after David’s death. He never saw the physical house of God in Jerusalem, but he clung to the hope of dwelling in the house of the LORD forever.

Imagine yourself stepping into the house of GodWhat does it look like: a cathedral, a temple, a mountain, heaven? Is there a ceiling, or do you see the sky? Has your breathing changed? Are you breathing more deeply? Gasping? Holding your breath? Do you see anyone? Where do you want to go next?

listen What sounds do you hear? Quietness? Laughter? Singing? Music? Someone’s voice? What are they saying? Imagine the sound of Jesus’ voice inviting you into the house of God forever.

sense your emotionsWhat is stirring in your heart: joy, fear, apprehension, relief ? How are you drawn to express what you are feeling? Do you want to dance? Shout? Cry? Run? Sing?

The One who shepherds us is the LORD, Yahweh—the Eternally Existing One who understands our past, is with us in our present, and knows our forever. In the midst of the struggle, it can be difficult to perceive God’s goodness and mercy. Yet, Christ our Shepherd remains behind us, with us, and before us, all the way to forever.

Take a deep breath and sit in silence for a moment to calm and center your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you. Read Psalm 23—slowly and out loud.

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Six // Page 15

3. How does the promise of being pursued by goodness and mercy infuse us with hope for 2025? 4. What might it be like to tell the story of this strange season later down the road, to the next generation? What might #goodnessandmercy2020 look like from that vantage point?

5. When you imagine living in the house of the LORD forever, what do you most long for?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

Page 16: Christ our Shepherdtempe.redemptionaz.com/wp.../05/ChristOurShepherd...Psalm 23 looks like, sounds like, smells like, tastes like, and feels like. INHABIT THE PSALM Questions are provided

He is With MeWeek six (continued)

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God of rising sun

be the warmth that I feel

God of gentle wind

be the air that I breathe

God of refreshing rain

be the cleansing I need

God of sacred space

be the peace that I crave

God of setting sun

be the rest I desire

FaithandWorship.com

Redemption Tempe // Christ Our Shepherd // Week Six // Page 16

Read Psalm 84 where the psalmist describes the House of God.

FOR FURTHER

reflection

1. Reflect on the reality that Christ our Shepherd is the eternally existing God. He is behind us, with us, and in front of us. David, in Psalm 139:5, put it this way, “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.” How does that help you breathe when life is hard? Is there a specific place where you long to know the shepherding presence of God this week?

2. Often, goodness and mercy land us at our destination, but we don’t recognize it until we turn around and see that they’ve been pursuing us all along. Is there a time when you didn’t see goodness and mercy until after you were through the difficult part of the journey? Talk about that.

3. How does the promise of being pursued by goodness and mercy infuse us with hope for 2025? 4. What might it be like to tell the story of this strange season later down the road, to the next generation? What might #goodnessandmercy2020 look like from that vantage point?

5. When you imagine living in the house of the LORD forever, what do you most long for?

6. How have you known Jesus as your Shepherd this week?

If you are meeting with a group, take time to share prayer requests and praises together.