I. THE RELATIONSHIP IS BENEFICIAL Psalm 23:1-3
- Use the dictionary to define “shepherd.” Does your relationship with the Lord match that definition?
- From verses 1-3, name at least five benefits to having the Lord as your Shepherd.
- Match each benefit with one or more of the following verses: Matthew 6:28-33; Matthew 11:29-30; Mark 6:31; Isaiah 32:17-18; Zephaniah 3:17; Job 33:26; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 35:9; Isaiah 48:17; John 10:3; Psalm 25:9; Psalm 107:28-31
- Give the phrase that indicates why these benefits are critically important.
- Which benefit is most meaningful to you?
II. THE RELATIONSHIP IS PERSONAL Psalm 23:4-5
- What difference is there between the pronouns in verses 1-3 and verses 4-6?
- What do you think caused the change? What could it mean?
- Have you ever found yourself in a valley? What was it? Describe the difference it made in your relationship with the Lord.
- When in a valley of disease, death, divorce, depression, etc., are you tempted to think you are not on the right path? What was the Psalmist’s experience?
- When Jesus was led into the wilderness, give the phrase from Matthew 4:1 that indicates He was on the right path.
- What is the secret to peace in the valley? See Isaiah 43:2; Exodus 33:14; John 14:27; John 16:33
- When facing opposition, hostility, or persecution, which of the following promises will you claim? Psalm 3:5-6; Psalm 91:7; 2 Kings 6:16; 1 John 4:4; Psalm 27:1-3, 5-6
III. THE RELATIONSHIP IS ETERNAL Psalm 23:6
- How lasting is our relationship with the Shepherd? John 10:27-28; 17:2-3
- How does Jesus describe the “house of the Lord” in John 14:1-3?
- What did the apostle Paul say about it in 1 Corinthians 2:9?
- List some of the aspects of Heaven in Revelation 21:1-5; 22-27; Revelation 22:3-5
- What aspect of Heaven do you look forward to the most?
- According to Psalm 23:6, how long will we live in Heaven with our Shepherd?
As we enter into 2026 with the “yellow envelopes” it may hold, make sure you have established a beneficial, personal, eternal relationship with the Shepherd. Then don’t worry or be afraid. He will be with you and see you through.
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Winter 2026 Newsletter.
