"As I Walk With My Shepherd"
Connect
What’s one word that describes how you’re coming into group tonight?
Take It In
What does this reveal about who God is?
I. Read Psalm 23:1–3 NLT
- Which phrase stands out most to you (provides, leads, restores, or guides), and what does that reveal about God’s heart toward you?
II. Read Psalm 23:4–5 NLT
- What does it tell you about God's character that He doesn't remove the valley, but walks into it with you?
III. Read Psalm 23:5–6 NLT
- "All my days," not just the big days. The sick Saturdays. The long commute days. The hard marriage days. The boring days. How do you cultivate awareness of purpose and the Shepherd's presence on those unremarkable days?
Talk About It
How do we practically apply this?
- Colossians 2:6 says, "Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him." The word walk implies movement, direction, and steps. What does your actual daily walk with Jesus look like right now if you answered honestly?
- What is your valley right now? Name it. Don't spiritualize it. What's the hard, real, heavy thing?
- In that valley, which enemy attack is loudest: despair, loneliness, guilt, lies, fear, or something else? How have you been responding to it? And how does the Shepherd want to respond to it instead?
- What does it look like for you to let the Shepherd be your protector in that valley rather than white-knuckling your way through it alone?
- Your purpose all your days is to love God, love people, and make disciples. How is that purpose showing up in your actual life right now?
Take It Home
What are we doing this week?
- Complete this declaration and share it with your group: "This week I will walk forward with my Shepherd by ________________."
Prayer Time