The Shepherd Who is Near | Psalm 23

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As we stand at the hinge of 2025 and 2026, we look to the most beloved shepherding passage in all of Scripture: Psalm 23. In this message, we explore how the Lord’s presence provides us with three unshakable confidences to carry into the new year: I shall not want, I will fear no evil, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Message Highlights

The Shepherd’s Experience: Written by David—a shepherd-warrior who fought lions and bears—this psalm is anchored in the reality of God’s literal nearness in the valleys of life.

Sufficiency in a Someone: We often struggle with lack, fear, and insecurity. David teaches us that true satisfaction is found not in "something" (possessions or status), but in "someone"—the Person of God.

The Shadow of Death: For those who belong to the Shepherd, death is but a shadow. While the shadow may feel cold and dark, it cannot touch the soul because our Mighty Companion walks with us.

From Sheep to Sons: The psalm concludes with a victory banquet where the Shepherd-King stoops to serve us, eventually bringing us into His household as fully adopted children for all eternity.

A Warning and a Hope

These words of comfort are a "blessed gift," but they are also "profoundly dangerous" if they nurture a false assurance. This covenantal language belongs to those who have trusted in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. If you desire this relationship, the good news is that belief can be yours today.

Scripture References:

Psalm 23

1 Samuel 17 (David’s background)

John 10:11 (The Good Shepherd)

Revelation 7:17 (The Lamb as our Shepherd)

Next Steps:

Memorize Scripture: Join us this spring as we memorize Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34 together.

Reflect: Take time as a family to look back at 2025 and see how the Lord has gently shepherded you through both hardships and blessings.

Connect: If you have questions about what it means to trust in Jesus, we would love to talk with you.

#Psalm23 #GoodShepherd #NewYear2026 #BibleTeaching #Heritage