The Companion: How He Leads

The Companion: How He Leads | Psalm 23

J Hager, Pastor of Care

Key Takeaways

• The valley is not a detour from the path of righteousness. 
  Suffering isn't always evidence that we've wandered away from God. Sometimes it's evidence that we're following him.

• God providentially ordains the valley. 
  Nothing in our lives comes to us by chance, but by our Father's hand. He is sovereign over our suffering and infuses it with divine purpose.

• God is present with us in the valley. 
  In verse 4, David shifts from talking about God ("He leads") to talking to God ("You are with me"). The Good Shepherd becomes our companion in the darkness.

• The valley is temporary, and we walk through it, not to it. 
  The valley serves its purpose for a season, but it's not our final destination.

• We learn we need a shepherd most clearly when we're in the valley. 
  Suffering teaches us who we truly are (sheep) and how much we need our loving Shepherd.

  
  Study Questions

• Question 1

  The Heidelberg Catechism says nothing comes to us "by chance, but by the Father's hand." How does believing in God's providence change the way we respond to suffering? What's the difference between this and fatalism?

• Question 2

  J mentions that Stephen Ministers and the church body help remind us that the Shepherd is walking beside us. Who has been that presence for you during a dark season? How can you be that for someone else?

• Question 3

  Sometimes the path of faithfulness itself leads through the valley. How does this challenge the assumption that suffering is always evidence of sin or wrong choices?

• Question 4

  J shared some examples of times he learned he needed to become a sheep rather than always being the shepherd. What areas of your life reveal a struggle to be led rather than to lead or control?

• Question 5

  Like a child holding their father's hand at the airport without knowing the details, what would it look like for you to trust the shepherd's presence more than demanding to understand the plan?

Seeking God’s Face Devotional

This year, we’ll be using the devotional “Seeking God’s Face” for our personal daily discipleship.

This Week’s Liturgy

Call to worship

Psalm 23:1, 6

Leader: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

All: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Confession of FAITH

New City Catechism Q & A #28

Q: What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?

A: At the day of judgment they will receive the fearful but just sentence of condemnation pronounced against them. They will be cast out from the favorable presence of God, into hell, to be justly and grievously punished, forever.

Confession of sin

Merciful Father, though you are always with us, we confess that we often live as though we are alone. We doubt your sovereign goodness in suffering, question your wise providence in our pain, and fear the valleys that you ordain. Forgive our unbelief and anxious hearts. Deepen our confidence in your loving care, and teach us to rest in your faithful presence through Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Isiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

This Week’s Playlist

Looking Ahead

Invite a friend, bring the kids, and join us next week as we continue our Summer in Psalm 23!