This sermon explores Psalm 23, revealing how God serves as our shepherd who provides, protects, and brings peace to our lives. Drew Zeiler emphasizes that a relationship with God is not merely theological but deeply experiential—like being led to green pastures and still waters. The sermon addresses the universal human tendency toward self-reliance and pride, calling listeners to surrender control and trust God as their shepherd. Through suffering and valleys of darkness, God deepens our fellowship with Him and refines our character. The ultimate promise is that God's goodness and mercy follow us all our days, and those in Christ have absolute certainty of dwelling with Him forever.

Main Points:

The Good Shepherd restores my soul

The Good Shepherd is with us in life’s hardships

The Good Shepherd secures our future

Scripture Referenced:

Psalm 23:1-6 (main passage); Galatians 5:25; John 14; Matthew 11:28; Psalm 62:8; Isaiah 53:6; John 10; Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:35-39

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by thanking God for bringing your group together and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal how He wants to work through each person present.

Discussion Questions

1. Read Psalm 23 together. What stands out to you most from this psalm?

2. "Hurry mutes the voice of God." How does the pace of your life affect your ability to hear from God? What specific things create hurry in your life?

3. The sermon mentioned we often "medicate" with distraction, food, work, entertainment, doom scrolling, etc. Where do you typically go to find rest when you're weary? What would it look like to turn to God instead?

4. Why is it significant that God leads us in paths of righteousness "for His name's sake" rather than for our sake? How does this shift our perspective?

5. Paul said he was willing to suffer "so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings." How have you seen suffering deepen someone's faith (your own or someone else's)?

6. How does knowing that “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” and that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever shape the way you view your past failures, current struggles, and the way you live today?

Personal Reflection and Practical Application:

Spend some time praying through Psalm 23. Do you believe David’s words to be true in your own life?

Begin a prayerful conversation with God. Ask Him to reveal to you what changes you may need to make through the answers to the following questions. Ask Him to give you eyes to see His goodness and mercy each day:

- What does it mean practically for me to "keep in step with the Spirit" this week?

- Where am I most tempted to be self-sufficient rather than dependent on God?

- How has God shown His goodness and mercy in my life, even in difficult times? Have I taken time to acknowledge this and thank Him?

- What would change in my life if I truly believed God is my Shepherd and I shall not want?

Worship Setlist:

As Loud As He Is Worthy (Psalm 47); Psalm 23 (Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy); His Glory and My Good; Holy Holy Holy; Goodness of God